School of Mechanical Engineering Studentship 2026/27 (Invibio Ltd) - Experimental approaches for pre-clinical evaluation of a novel all-polymer total knee replacement

A highly competitive PhD studentship offered by the University of Leeds in partnership with Invibio Limited, focusing on experimental approaches for pre-clinical evaluation of a novel all-polymer total knee replacement. The project aims to enhance understanding of the fundamental tribology of PEEK articulating against polyethylene and cartilage through systematic investigations of friction. The research addresses challenges in total knee replacement performance, as 25% of patients receiving conventional metal-on-polyethylene replacements report problems during the first year. The studentship is part of the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership Research Grant 'PEEK-Optima as a Platform for Natural Total Knee Replacement'. The successful candidate will be based in the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at Leeds, develop skills in interdisciplinary working and technology translation through a placement at Invibio Ltd, and have opportunities to present research at conferences and engage with patients and the public. The project will build research complexity from simple geometry configurations to full total knee replacement geometry, studying surface wettability and comparing PEEK to cobalt chrome.