Research Assistant or Associate in Robotic Biomechanical Testing of the Shoulder - London

Job Type: Full-Time. Starting Salary: £47223 - £57472 per annum plus benefits.

About the role

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 in vitro robotic testing of cadaveric shoulders within a multidisciplinary programme combining advanced imaging, computational modelling, 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 robotic-driven testing of cadaveric shoulder joints, including specimens with orthopaedic implants.
• Using advanced robotic systems, you will simulate realistic joint motion by precisely controlling rotations, translations, forces and moments.
• You will investigate the mechanical function of shoulder tissues through sequential resection studies, enabling you to quantify the role and properties of individual structures within the joint.
• 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

• You will hold a PhD, or be near completion of a PhD, in Mechanical or Medical Engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
• You should have experience of laboratory testing in the musculoskeletal area using cadaver models.
• Knowledge of geometrical transformation of coordinates/kinematics, fundamentals of dynamics and Jacobian operators is essential.
• You will have published papers on your prior work (or if nearing completion of PhD have papers in preparation) and experience of presenting your findings at conferences.
• You will have knowledge of python or similar programming tools.
• We would consider applications from candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in Biomechanics; this role offers the opportunity to undertake a doctorate alongside the project.
• You will have a first-class degree in a relevant field, with demonstrable knowledge of mechanics.
• You must have a genuine interest in pursuing and completing a PhD in Robotic Biomechanical testing.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to be part of a major collaborative international project with partners in the Netherlands and several centres in the United States.
• Support and close interaction with researchers in the Biomechanics Group (Mechanical Engineering), Musculoskeletal Mechanics Group (Bioengineering), and Shoulder Research Group, as well as project co-investigators at Cardiff and international partner institutions.
• You will also collaborate 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 3 years in the first instance. In person attendance is required 5 days per week, as per the needs of the role.