PhD candidate for the Design and optimisation of porous orthopaedic implants for long-term performance

Tecnun, the Engineering School of the University of Navarra offers a 4-year doctoral contract at the Technological Campus in San Sebastian (Spain)

The PhD project is part of ADAPT-BONE, a research project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. The project aims to develop adaptive porous implants for personalised orthopaedic reconstruction.

The PhD will focus on the design and optimisation of porous and lattice orthopaedic implant architectures with tailored mechanical properties and long-term performance. The research will study how porous architecture influences mechanical behaviour and fatigue under physiological loading. Finite element modelling, computational optimisation and experimental characterisation will be combined to develop improved implant designs.

A key aspect of the project will be an iterative design–manufacture–test–redesign approach. Porous architectures will be designed and optimised computationally. They will then be manufactured using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and tested under mechanical and fatigue loading. The experimental results will be used to improve the models and refine the implant designs.

The project will also explore how patient-specific mechanical requirements can be considered when designing porous implants. This work will be carried out in collaboration with the biomechanics and mechanobiology activities of ADAPT-BONE. The PhD will have a specific focus on the mechanical design and performance of the implant.

The candidate will join the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tecnun–University of Navarra, the University’s School of Engineering located in San Sebastián, Spain. The PhD will be supervised by Dr. Naiara Rodriguez-Florez and Dr. Sergio Ruiz de Galarreta. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary research environment involving mechanical and biomedical engineers, additive manufacturing specialists and clinical collaborators. The position will also offer opportunities for international research stays and participation in scientific conferences.

Thesis should be completed in 4 years.

The expected start date is December 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Winter: 7.75 hours per day. ½ June, July and August: 5,5 hours a day.

Flexible hours: check-in between 8:00 and 9:30, check-out from 4:15 p.m.

Vacations:23 days + Christmas holiday (24 Dec–2 Jan).

Requirements:

Master Degree in: Mechanical Engineering or similar degrees.

Language: Highly proficient in English

Software:

Solid knowledge and practical experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and numerical modelling, preferably using Abaqus.

Good programming skills, preferably in Python.

Other

Strong background in mechanics of materials, strength of materials and structural mechanics.

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Experience in computational design and numerical optimisation will be highly valued.

Experience with porous or lattice structures, additive manufacturing, or fatigue analysis will be considered an advantage.

Previous experience in biomechanics or orthopaedic applications will be considered an advantage.

Knowledge of Spanish is an advantage but is not required for the position.

Send the following documentation

• Cover letter describing your motivation as a thesis candidate.
• Updated CV

Undergraduate and Master's degree transcripts.