PhD Studentship in Biomechanics: Improving the Performance of Total Knee Replacements

Imperial College London

Department of Mechanical Engineering

PhD Studentship in Biomechanics: Improving the Performance of Total Knee Replacements

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of the biomechanics of knee joint replacement leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post will be supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK student rate, not ‘overseas’ rate) provided by the Johnson and Johnson Medical Technology (JnJ) company.

The project will be managed by Imperial College (IC) and JnJ with expert orthopaedic surgical input for practical experiments at the Biomechanics research group at IC’s South Kensington campus.

The aim of the project is to improve our understanding of the function of knee replacements and how that is affected by the surgical procedure, then to develop and test novel designs that should improve the reliability and performance of the procedure when they move on to clinical use in patients.

The project will entail development and use of an existing robotic setup for loading and moving total knee prostheses that have been implanted into cadaveric human joints. A key aim is to collect data to compare the biomechanical performance of replaced knees after the implants have been remounted to create differing knee alignments, such as the pattern of motion while moving the loaded knee, the intra-articular joint contact patterns, the stability of the loaded knee, and the length changes caused in the ligaments around the knee. It is planned that new designs of knee replacement will be custom-made and tested, based on the data collected during this work.

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a 1st class honours degree or similar qualification plus experience in Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics, or a related subject, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. An interest in anatomy and orthopaedic surgery is desirable.  Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

For information on how to apply, go to:

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

For further details of the post contact Prof Andrew Amis: a.amis@imperial.ac.uk, 07722 225409.  Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae and statement of motivation to Prof Amis. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be confirmed by College Registry.

Please note that the contract to finalise this project is not yet signed and so it should not be taken to be definite. The advert is in anticipation of contract signing in order to speed-up recruitment.

Closing date: 31^st October 2025

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