Research Associate in Musculoskeletal Modelling of the Shoulder

Shoulder pain and dysfunction place a significant burden on healthcare services, and despite surgical and arthroplasty techniques, treatment outcomes can be unpredictable and variable in their success. The ENGIN Shoulder project uses in vivo dynamic biplane X-ray imaging, musculoskeletal modelling and robot-driven cadaveric testing to address these challenges. We are seeking a researcher to join this major EPSRC-funded research project to develop an integrated engineering pipeline for understanding and improving shoulder joint function by combining the three advanced approaches, in collaboration with colleagues at Imperial College London, Cardiff University and international partners.

In this role, you will lead on the musculoskeletal modelling aspects of the project within a multidisciplinary programme combining advanced robotic testing, imaging, and experimental biomechanics. Your work will contribute to improving understanding of shoulder function in health, instability, and joint replacement, addressing key challenges in predicting patient outcomes.

You will work closely with researchers, clinicians, and project partners across institutions to support the development of innovative treatments, rehabilitation strategies, and surgical approaches.

What you would be doing

You will design and carry out musculoskeletal modelling experiments based on in-vivo experiments and link these to robotic-driven testing of cadaveric shoulder joints.

Your work will directly address clinically relevant challenges, including optimising surgical procedures following shoulder replacement and supporting decision-making between surgical and non-surgical to obtain best function.

You will also contribute to setting up and programming robotic systems to replicate physiological joint motion and loading, applying principles of kinematics, dynamics and geometric transformations.

What we are looking for

• The postholder will have a PhD in a relevant field (or equivalent experience) and will have knowledge and expertise in musculoskeletal modelling of the shoulder.
• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including musculoskeletal modelling of the shoulder
• Knowledge and expertise in inverse-dynamics musculoskeletal modelling
• Knowledge and expertise in forward-dynamics musculoskeletal modelling

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to be part of a major collaborative international project with partners in the Netherlands, Wales and several centres in the United States.
• Support and close interaction with project associated researchers in the Biomechanics Group in the Mechanical Engineering Department as well as the Musculoskeletal Mechanics Group in the Bioengineering Dept and the Shoulder Research Group as well as the many project associated researchers/Co-Investigators in both Cardiff and at institutions abroad. You will also be working very closely with shoulder surgeons.

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.

• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

This position is fixed term and is expected to run for up to 2 years with the potential of an extension.

*Please note, if you are yet to receive PhD confirmation, you will be appointed as Research Assistant (£43,863 – £47,223)

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Anthony Bull – a.bull@imperial.ac.uk.

In person attendance is required 5 days per week, as per the needs of the role.