PhD Position Diversity in Musculoskeletal Modelling

This PhD position is part of the ERC Starting Grant project “Diversity Outside In”, which aims to develop an innovative methodology for generating musculoskeletal models that explicitly integrate demographic differences across age, sex, and ethnicity. By combining in-vivo measurements from large-scale human studies, cadaveric dissection for parameter verification, and a novel morphometric scaling approach, the project will set a new standard for modelling the musculoskeletal system. These next-generation models will enable research into how diversity affects movement and musculoskeletal loading, supporting more equitable rehabilitation, prevention, and performance programs.

The PhD candidate will serve as the modelling expert within the project team, developing a pipeline for creating subject-specific models and building an open-source database to enhance diversity in musculoskeletal modelling.

Job description

As a PhD candidate in this project, you will:

• Develop a musculoskeletal modelling pipeline to create subject-specific models from in-vivo data.
• Build an open-source database of healthy subject-specific models to enhance diversity in MSK modelling.
• Collaborate within a team to organize and manage a large-scale human participant study, including recruitment and logistics.
• Conduct validation measurements in the lab, including human motion capture, dynamometry, and fluoroscopy.
• Use predictive simulations to study the effects of demography on model outcomes.
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team of experts in biomechanics, anatomy, medical imaging, clinical sciences, and sports coaching.

This PhD is ideally suited to a candidate who enjoys combining cutting-edge measurement technologies with computational modelling, hands-on experimental work, and working with people.

Job requirements

We are seeking an ambitious, hands-on PhD candidate who is excited to push the boundaries of musculoskeletal research. You are eager to combine experimental biomechanics and anatomy to create inclusive, next-generation musculoskeletal models that will shape the future of rehabilitation, prevention, and athletic performance.

You bring:

• A Master’s degree in Biomechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong experience in musculoskeletal modelling.
• Experience with OpenSim modelling software.
• Solid programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and model development.
• Experience with human motion capture experiments is a pre.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to communicate effectively with study participants in Dutch.
• Knowledge of Arabic, Turkish, or other languages is a plus for participant communication.

If you enjoy hands-on research, working with people, and bridging experiments with cutting-edge computational methods, this PhD is the perfect opportunity to make a real impact in inclusive musculoskeletal research.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology 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.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

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.

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.

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.