PhD Position Musculoskeletal Researcher of Soft Tissue Contributions to Knee/Implant Performance

Do you want to combine strong engineering and computer modeling skills with human-interactive robotics to improve human health and mobility? Then you need to apply!

Job description 

Challenge: What role do muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues play in maintaining the integrity and function of the knee in intact and total knee replacement patients?

Change: We aim to understand the mechanical function and behavior of knee joint soft tissue through robot-mediated human and cadaver experiments combined with physics-based computer models.

Impact: Evaluate knee joint laxity and then optimize surgery and treatment to reduce laxity while permitting natural range of motion.

We are seeking a PhD researcher for a 4-year contract to advance computational models of the human knee based on MRI imaging and robot sensing and manipulation. The aim is to evaluate knee joint laxity pre- and post-operatively through model-based estimates and kinematic and force measurements from a collaborative robot. By understanding the soft-tissue mechanisms at play in the knee we can use models to inform and optimize physical therapy and surgical planning. You will design healthy-subject and cadaver experimental studies with instrumented implants to test and validate model-based estimates of soft-tissue loading. Together with a fellow PhD in robotics, you will develop subject-specific tissue loading maps that describe how the structures in the knee are loaded during robot-assisted therapeutic exercises and gait.

Your project is funded by an Open Technology Programme grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) entitled “Biomechanics-aware real-time robotics for intelligent assistance of knee surgery and rehabilitation.”

You will be a member of the Computational Biomechanics Lab in BioMechanical Engineering and the Human-Robot Collaboration lab in Cognitive Robotics. You will be supervised by associate professor Ajay Seth and assistant professor Luka Peternel and work with BSc, MSc students and other PhD candidates in their research groups and collaborations with other departments at TU Delft, Erasmus MC and Leiden UMC..

Opportunities for growing your academic career will be available, such as mentoring BSc/MSc Students, conference presentations, networking, and teaching.

Job requirements

You should have:

• An MSc in engineering or similar discipline by the start date of the position.
• Experience with (bio)mechanical modeling and computer simulation.
• Proficiency with at least one programming language (e.g., C++, Python, Matlab, etc.).
• Experience with collecting and processing experimental data of human movement.
• A deep curiosity for how biological systems and structures function.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

The following aspects will help you stand out:

• Thriving in multidisciplinary environments.
• Creativity and ambition to conduct cutting-edge research.
• Self-motivation.
• Curiosity-driven working attitude.
• Knowledge of biomechanical modeling, image segmentation, vision-based motion capture, machine learning, and control systems.
• Experience with OpenSim model creation and simulation.

Keep in mind that this describes the background we imagine would best fit the role. Even if you do not meet all the requirements and feel that you are up for the task, we absolutely want to see your application! The PhD process is a learning experience.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment 

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Ajay Seth (a.seth@tudelft.nl).

For information about the selection procedure, please contact the Mechanical Engineering HR Advisor, email: recruitment-ME@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 23 March 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• One-page motivation letter. Please describe your plans and ambitions within the project and how you see yourself developing within the group.
• An up-to-date CV highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
• Abstract of your MSc thesis.
• Contact information for up to 3 references (minimum 2).
• Grade transcripts/reports of your education to-date.

You can address your application to Ajay Seth.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.