PhD Position Inclusive Musculoskeletal Models for Human Movement

PhD Position: Inclusive Musculoskeletal Models for Human Movement at TU Delft

Job Description

Musculoskeletal disorders, affecting muscles, bones, joints, and associated tissues, are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Musculoskeletal models hold great potential for prevention and development of new treatments, but current models often fail to capture sex diversity.

Our NWO Vidi Grant project, “Breaking BIASmechanics”, aims to change this by creating innovative technology for generating accurate musculoskeletal models outside the lab that account for sex variations. In collaboration with societal, industry, and health partners—including NOC*NSF, Vitronic, ModelHealth, and the Sport & Gyn network—these next-generation models will allow us to explore how sex diversity affects movement and musculoskeletal loading, guiding more equitable rehabilitation, prevention, and performance programs.

As a PhD candidate in this project, you will:

• Investigate muscle physiology using advanced techniques such as MRI-DTI, ultrasound imaging, muscle stimulation, and electromyography (EMG).
• Perform anatomical dissections on human specimens to collect in-vitro data for model validation.
• Design and conduct motion capture experiments in diverse settings: laboratory environments, athletic fields, and clinical contexts.
• Collaborate within a team to organize and manage a large-scale human participant study, including recruitment and logistical coordination.
• Communicate effectively with study participants in Dutch.
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team of experts in biomechanics, anatomy, medical imaging, clinical sciences, and sports coaching.

This PhD is ideally suited for candidates who enjoy hands-on experimental work, working with people, and combining cutting-edge measurement technologies with computational modelling.

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 Human Movement Sciences, Biomechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Technical Medicine, or a related discipline
• A strong curiosity for human muscle physiology and medical imaging.
• Experience with human motion capture experiments.
• Solid programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and computational modeling.
• Confidence and interest to work with cadaveric specimens.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills to manage complex human studies.
• Fluency in Dutch for participant communication.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

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 science.

About TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft 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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focuses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. 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. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

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.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• 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.

Relocation Support

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact e.vanderkruk@tudelft.nl.