Development of novel implant to avoid stress shielding in orthopaedic implants

Offer Description

The CUSTOM project is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network that unites design, manufacturing, and testing to develop a next‑generation patient‑specific shoulder implant. With the projected 300‑400% rise in shoulder replacements between 2020 and 2040, the project addresses failure mechanisms such as soft tissue failure, infection, and implant loosening. It combines computational design, additive manufacturing, and blended in‑silico and experimental testing to improve implant functionality, longevity, and biomechanical performance.

• Design, analyze, and compare orthopedic stem models incorporating porous architectures (Voronoi or TPMS structures).
• Develop a finite‑element (FE) model of the humerus and implant and validate it experimentally with micromotion, DIC, and/or fiber‑Bragg‑grating measurements.
• Evaluate design variants for biomechanical performance, manufacturability, and clinical applicability.
• Conduct two 3‑month research stays at Semmelweis University (HU) and TU Delft (NL) for clinical verification and micro‑CT/DIC validation.
• Collaborate with the custom doctoral network and contribute to educational activities at the Bachelor or Master level.

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electromechanical, Biomechanical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Strong background in numerical modelling, finite‑element analysis, and experimental work; experience with biomechanics is a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Result‑driven, able to work independently, and willing to collaborate with researchers across the doctoral network.
• Compliance with MSCA residency and PhD eligibility conditions.

• Fully funded doctoral scholarship (18 months at BME and 18 months at KU Leuven) with a joint PhD awarded by both universities.
• Living, mobility, and, where applicable, family and special‑needs allowances (details per country).
• Professional development through the Géza Pattantyús‑Ábrahám Doctoral School (BME) and Arenberg Doctoral School (KU Leuven).
• Extensive networking and training activities via the 17‑member MSCA doctoral network.
• Opportunities to attend international conferences and collaborate on research projects.
• Vuied learning environments in Budapest and Leuven with vibrant cultural and research communities.
• Stepping stone to future career opportunities in European R&D sectors.