Development of novel implant types to avoid stress shielding in orthopaedic implants
(ref. BAP
Laatst aangepast: 11/12/25
This is a joint doctoral project, meaning that upon successful completion of the research, the PhD degree will be awarded by both KU Leuven (BE) and Budapest University of Technology and Economics (HU). The research will be performed under joint supervision of Prof. Kathleen Denis (KU Leuven) and Dr. Gábor Szebényi (BME). The successful candidate will spend 18 months at each of the two institutions.
At BME, the successful applicant will work at the Department of Polymer Engineering of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, in a research group focusing on the development of novel metal-polymer implants, test methods and polymeric implant materials. The multidisciplinary team provides an inspiring environment, excellent accredited laboratory and processing laboratory background and insight in different areas of polymer processing and testing. During the research work the applicant will be able to work together with researchers from the Department of Applied Mechanics of BME, and also researchers from Semmelweis University.
At KU Leuven, the successful applicant will become part of the Smart Instrumentation team of the division of Biomechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This team is a growing, multi-disciplinary group dedicated to the development of new surgical instruments and assistive technologies for medical applications, integrating novel sensing and modelling techniques to improve the execution of complex safety-critical tasks in highly unstructured and variable environments such as e.g. the human body. The team offers a positive and dynamic work environment embedded in a multi-disciplinary network with other research groups in the Department, the broader university and UZ Leuven, the University Hospital, which is also the largest hospital in the country.
This Ph.D. position is offered through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network 'CUSTOM'. Vacancies for other Ph.D. topics within this network can be found on the project's website.
Project
The CUSTOM project is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network that unites three core disciplines (design, manufacturing, and testing) towards the development of a next generation of patient-specific shoulder implants. The number of shoulder replacements is projected to increase by % between 2020 and 2040. With the current technology, 10% of those artificial shoulder implants will fail within the first 10 years of service, mainly due to soft tissue failure, infection, and implant loosening. CUSTOM focuses on combining (1) computational tools that allow patient-specific design, (2) additive manufacturing to realize the custom, complex designs and structures and their further postprocessing to incorporate multi-functionality, and (3) blended in-silico and experimental testing to reduce the burden on experimental testing for certification. In doing so, CUSTOM can address the major failure mechanisms of current shoulder implants and improve their overall functionality and longevity.
Stress shielding is a key concern in orthopedic implant design, caused by stiffness mismatches between implants and bone, leading to bone resorption and implant loosening. This project addresses the issue by developing stem designs with stiffness closer to that of human bone.
The doctoral candidate will design, analyze and compare orthopedic stem models incorporating porous architectures such as Voronoi or TPMS structures. The project comprises the development of a computational model of humerus and stem (FE), and an experimental set-up for validation of the FE results using micromotion measurements. Multiple design variants will be evaluated with respect to biomechanical performance, manufacturability and applicability in clinical practice. For validation, micromotion measurements are combined with DIC and/or Fiber Bragg Grating based measurements. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with a clinical partner.
As part of this project you will undertake two three-month research stays (with travel and accommodation costs covered) at world class institutions namely Semmelweis University (HU), for clinical verification of the designs, and TU Delft (NL), for validation using micro-CT and DIC. This is a joint degree PhD, awarded by both KU Leuven (BE) and Budapest University of Technology and Economics (HU).
Profile
* The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, enthusiastic and communicative researcher with a Masters degree in Mechanical, Electromechanical, or Biomechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. Candidates have experience with numerical modelling and machine design or are eager to educate themselves on these topics. They have obtained their degree with excellent grades, are result-driven and are able to work independently on this PhD project, as well as to collaborate with fellow researchers in the research team, the CUSTOM doctoral network, and beyond.
* Candidates should have experience with Finite Element Analysis, measurement equipment and experimental work. Specific experience with biomechanics is a plus.
* Applicants should have excellent oral and written English communication skills.
* The successful candidate is expected to contribute to education at the Bachelor or Master level (master thesis supervision, teaching of exercise or practical sessions, …)
* The MSCA doctoral network requires that applicants for this position cannot have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting university for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Moreover, applicants cannot have previously obtained a PhD.
Offer
We offer:
* A doctoral scholarship (fully funded, at BME for 18 months and at KU Leuven for 18 months) and a PhD degree awarded by both KU Leuven and Budapest University of Technology and Economics, upon successful completion.
* Being enrolled in the Géza Pattantyús-Ábrahám Doctoral School of Mechanical Engineering (BME) and Arenberg Doctoral School (KU Leuven), you receive a highly specialized doctoral training in an international environment at a top European university, as well as through the CUSTOM MSCA doctoral network.
* Extensive training and networking activities via the CUSTOM MSCA Doctoral Network project, which involves a total of 17 doctoral candidates.
* A living allowance, mobility allowance and, if applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowances.
* For the period at BME (Hungary): A living allowance of 2721,83 EUR + mobility allowance of 710 EUR (tax-free), and if relevant, a family allowance of 660 EUR (tax-free). The salary and allowances are gross amounts and will be paid in HUF according to Hungarian law.
* For the period at KU Leuven (Belgium): The gross amount of the doctoral scholarship (tax-free) will be approximately 3.055,61 EUR per month if you are single with no dependent family members. It will be higher if you have a registered partner without income and/or dependent child(ren); it will be lower if you have a registered partner with income.
* The opportunity to participate in research collaborations and international conferences.
* A stepping stone towards future career opportunities in the European R&D sectors.
* Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with its stunning landscape and rich architectural and historical heritage, offers a unique combination of diverse cultural backgrounds, fine cuisine and wide array of leisurely activities. The Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) is a leading Hungarian institution for technology, founded in 1782. It is a hub for engineering, natural sciences, and economics education and research, with a strong international reputation and a large student body that includes a significant number of international students. BME offers comprehensive degree programs in both English and Hungarian and is known for its commitment to innovation and research and development.
* A stay in a vibrant environment in the heart of Europe. KU Leuven is located in Leuven, a town of approximately inhabitants, located close to Brussels (25 km), and 20 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning and the strong presence of the university, international research centers, and industry, lead to a safe town with high quality of life, welcome to non-Dutch speaking people and with ample opportunities for social and sport activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields are some of the ingredients making the university of Leuven the most innovative university in Europe.
KU Leuven - Smart Instrumentation research team
BME - Department of Polymer Engineering
CUSTOM MSCA Doctoral Network
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Kathleen Denis, mail:, tel.: ; Dr. Gábor Szebényi, mail:, tel.:
You can apply for this job no later than February 12, 2026 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
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Locatie: Leuven
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12/02/2026 23:59 CET
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Tags: Industriële Ingenieurswetenschappen, Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen, Ingenieurswetenschappen