Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidate Opportunity

Research Objectives

The successful candidate will undertake a multidisciplinary programme of research focused on:

• Designing and manufacturing novel surface architectures for polymeric orthopaedic implants using advanced additive manufacturing technologies.
• Characterising engineered surface features using state-of-the-art metrological and surface analysis techniques.
• Evaluating bone-interaction and fixation potential through biological assessment methodologies.
• Investigating the influence of surface topography on bacterial attachment and infection-related behaviours through microbiological testing.
• Developing data-driven and Artificial Intelligence-based predictive models to correlate surface parameters with biological outcomes.
• Exploring innovative over-moulding techniques for additively manufactured substrates featuring engineered functional surfaces.
• Establishing design rules for future orthopaedic implant development based on quantitative biological-performance predictions.

The project combines expertise in advanced manufacturing, biomaterials engineering, metrology, microbiology, artificial intelligence, and orthopaedic implant design.

Research Objectives

A key strength of this studentship is the close collaboration with Invibio, a global leader in high-performance biomaterial solutions and part of Victrex plc.

The doctoral researcher will benefit from direct engagement with industrial experts and access to world-leading expertise in polymeric biomaterials and medical device development. The project has strong translational potential and aims to bridge fundamental research with real-world clinical and industrial applications.

As part of the wider Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network, the successful candidate will undertake fully funded secondments across multiple European partner institutions, including industrial and academic organisations. These international placements will provide:

• Advanced technical training.
• Exposure to diverse research environments.
• Development of transferable and entrepreneurial skills.
• Opportunities to build an extensive European research network.
• Experience of industry-led innovation and translational research.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking candidates with a strong academic background in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Biomaterials
• Medical Engineering
• Product Design Engineering
• Related engineering or physical science disciplines

Applicants should ideally possess:

• A First-Class Honours degree (or equivalent).
• A Master's degree in a relevant field (desirable but not essential depending on prior research experience).
• An interest in advanced manufacturing, biomaterials, orthopaedics, medical devices, or artificial intelligence.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication abilities.
• The ability to work effectively within an international and multidisciplinary research environment.

Experience in additive manufacturing, surface metrology, biomaterials, machine learning, microbiology, or medical device research would be advantageous but is not essential.

MSCA Eligibility Requirements

This position is funded through the European Commission's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme and applicants must satisfy all MSCA Doctoral Candidate eligibility criteria at the recruitment date.

1. Doctoral Candidate Status

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a doctoral programme for the purpose of obtaining a PhD degree.
• Not already possess a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.

2. Mobility Rule

At the time of recruitment, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately prior to their recruitment date. Short stays such as holidays are not considered.

3. Additional Programme Requirements

Candidates must be willing and able to undertake international mobility periods and secondments at partner organisations across Europe as required by the doctoral network.

Funding and Benefits

The successful candidate will receive:

• A fully funded PhD studentship for 36 months.
• A competitive Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral researcher salary in accordance with EU funding regulations and local employment conditions.
• Mobility and associated allowances as defined by the MSCA programme.
• Fully funded international secondments with partner organisations.
• Access to an extensive programme of specialist scientific and transferable-skills training.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading academic and industrial researchers throughout Europe.
• A vibrant and supportive research environment at the University of Huddersfield.

How to Apply

You must submit your application in full to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk  by Friday 11 December 2026, please include the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the project.
• A detailed academic and work CV with confirmation that you have not resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately prior to the recruitment date.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Proof that you have met the English Language requirement (these must be valid at the time of application and enrolment.) Please see our International Entry Requirements for more information. 
• Provide references from two individuals – please contact your referees and ask them to send your reference directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their email address.
• Colour Copy of passport.
• If you have previously studied in the UK, please can you send copies of the visa/visas.
• Confirmation that you have never had a visa refusal for the UK or any other country. *These last two requests are necessary for our international compliance checks.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the 8 January 2027 to attend an interview in the week commencing 15 January 2027.

Enquires regarding eligibility and supporting documents should be sent to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk

For informal enquiries regarding the project, please contact:

Dr Paul Bills
University of Huddersfield
Email: p.j.bills@hud.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Huddersfield is committed to creating an inclusive research environment that values diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in engineering and technology disciplines.