PhD StudentshipStatistical Methods for Computational Modelling of Total Hip ReplacementsBioengineering Sciences Research Group
School of Engineering Sciences

A PhD studentship is now available within the Bioengineering SciencesResearch Group, School of Engineering Sciences (SES), which will fullycover University tuition fees** and provide a tax-free bursary of£12,300 per year, rising annually in line with the UK Government(EPSRC) recommended rate, for a three-year duration.

**The studentship will fully cover Overseas fees for international applicants.

This project will focus on the development of statistical methods forcharacterising the variability of the femur with applications tocomputer-assisted planning and analysis of total hip replacements. Thekey idea is to develop a statistical methodology based on principalcomponent analysis and centroidal Voronoi tessellations forcharacterising the spatial variability in geometry and densitydistribution of the femur across patients. Existing CT scan data willbe used to construct a flexible, parameterised statistical model ofthe femur. Protocols will be developed for automatically exporting therealizations of the resulting statistical model into off-the-shelfmesh generation and finite element analysis software. The methodologydeveloped will be applied to systematically quantify the impact ofbiological variability in the femur on the mechanical performance oftotal hip replacements. It is also intended to study the applicationof this methodology to computer-assisted surgical planning. Ofparticular interest is the problem of optimal reconstruction ofpatient specific three-dimensional femur geometry and densitydistribution from X-Ray data, and a sparse set of digitized bonesurface points.

SES is a top 5* rated research school with an internationalreputation. The successful candidate will work with a group of highlymotivated, first class research students in the areas of computationaland experimental orthopaedic biomechanics

The School is a diverse community which is committed to creating aninclusive working and learning environment in which all individualsare equally treated and valued, and can achieve their potential. TheSchool considers all studentship applications in relation to academiccriteria and regardless of the individual’s race, gender, or belief.

Entry requirements: The studentship is available to candidates withthe equivalent of a first class or upper second class degree inMechanical, Computational or related Engineering disciplines. Thestudentship is at the standard EPSRC (Engineering and PhysicalSciences Research Council) rate, commencing on 2 October 2006.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, pleasecontact

Prof. Mark Taylor,
Bioengineering Sciences Research Group,
School of Engineering Sciences,
University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ,
Tel: +44-(0)23-8059-7660,
Fax: +44-(0)23-8059-3016,
Email:m.taylor@soton.ac.uk

An on-line application form (or hard copy version) can be accessedfrom the following site:http://www.soton.ac.uk/SESPostgraduate/HowtoApply/ or alternativelycontact

Julia Zimbler,
Postgraduate Admissions,
Graduate SchoolOffice,
School of Engineering Sciences,
Lanchester Building,
University of Southampton,
Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ,
Tel:+44-(0)23-8059-3389,
Fax: +44-(0)23-8059-5167,
Email: jfz@soton.ac.uk.

Please note that applications will only be considered on receipt of acompleted application form. If applying on-line, please sendsupporting documents to Julia Zimbler at the above address.

Closing date for applications: 31 August 2006