Vacancies
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Current vacancies
Research Associate in Multimodal Neuroimaging
Closing date: 28 October 2026
Employer: The University of Sheffield (School of Medicine & Population Health)
Location: Sheffield
Salary: £38,784
Job Ref: 3146
This is a 2-year fixed term opportunity for a post-doctoral MRI physicist to work on an ambitious Wellcome Trust funded neuroimaging grant. The project centres on the novel application of hyperpolarised xenon to study gas exchange in the brain. The post doc will be required to acquire pre-clinical data in a multidisciplinary team. Designing MR acquisition protocols and robust data analysis pipelines is essential to this role. Pulse sequences may be developed with the support of other senior scientists. This project seeks to understand the application of hyperpolarised xenon to detect early signs of brain diseases associated with the cerebral vasculature (specifically cerebral Small Vessel Disease). There is a clear route to human translation as these methods are already used in human research in Sheffield. Rigorous physiological validation of the method is the core aim.
We are embarking on an ambitious project with a small team; the successful candidate will be someone that can communicate and solve problems. The opportunity for bold, discovery science is how to interpret the data in the context of previous research, first principles of MRI physics and experimental physiology. Working closely with the PI Isabel Christie, you will acquire hypothesis-driven data. Building upon established tracer kinetic models and prior research at Sheffield, you will tailor image processing methods to derive the value of this data to diagnose deficits of gas exchange and blood brain barrier physiology.
For informal enquiries about this job, contact Isabel Christie, Principal Investigator: i.christie@sheffield.ac.uk
PhD opportunity: Improving the clinical success of porous orthopaedic designs – experimental and finite element study
Closing Date: 30/11/2026
Employer: The University of Sheffield, School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Location: Sheffield
About the Project
Bone cancer primarily occurs in children, adolescents and adults over the age of 65 years. Current treatment of choice involves chemotherapy, tumour removal and replacement with an implant (endoprosthesis). With advancement in cancer treatment, patients are living longer and there is a need for implants with improved durability and longevity.
Porous implants fabricated by additive manufactured technology (3D printing) offer a promising avenue for enhancing bone ingrowth and improving clinical outcomes. However, clinical data regarding the optimal implant geometry is currently inconclusive. Because implant integration is intrinsically linked to the quality of the surrounding tissue, understanding time-dependent changes in stress distribution within the bone is vital to inform implant design.
The purpose of this PhD is to investigate key parameters of porous implants to improve bone ingrowth. The student will develop musculoskeletal models and finite element analysis (FEA) models from clinical images and gait analysis data. The student will perform mechanical testing of the implants to validate the FEA models.
The successful candidate will work in a supportive and collaborative environment, with clinicians and strong industrial support, including a placement at an orthopaedic implant manufacturer. The student will join the vibrant multi-disciplinary Integrative Musculoskeletal Biomechanics (IMSB) team, which includes academics, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students from the Insigneo Institute for Healthcare Technology.
Requirements
We are looking for a self-motivated student who wants to develop new skills and apply their existing knowledge. You should be independent, excited to learn, solve problems, passionate about the subject and creative. In addition, you should:
- Hold a Master's or MEng degree at merit/distinction level, or a first class/upper second (2:1) class honours degree in mechanical engineering or bioengineering.
- Good interpersonal and organisational skills, and the ability to work as a team player.
- Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis software (e.g., Abaqus, Ansys), image processing techniques, and programming languages such as Python and Matlab.
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Vee San Cheong, to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application.
Supervisory team:
Dr Vee San Cheong (primary supervisor) is a UKRI Future Research Leaders Fellow with expertise in developing novel methods to study bone biomechanics. In collaboration with researchers and surgeons based at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) and Insigneo Institute, she has been studying bone mechanics using innovative X-ray imaging techniques and FEA in the context of boneremodelling to predict the effect of implant design, drugs and exercise on bone adaptation.
Prof Paul Fromme (UCL) has extensive experience and publication track record in applied mechanics and ultrasound. Building on ongoing clinical trials at the RNOH, he has been using innovative ultrasound techniques and FEA to evaluate bone growth around bone- anchored limb prostheses, which offer superior gait and joint function compared with prosthesis.
Dr David Simpson (industrial supervisor) leads the limb salvage service for Adler Ortho UK Ltd and works with orthopaedic surgeons across a range of UK hospitals.
PhD start Date:
1 February 2027
Funding Notes
This studentship will cover the full UK (home) rate and fund an annual tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard UKRI rate (£21,805 in 2026-27) for up to 4 years, as well as a research grant to cover additional costs of training, courses, project costs, conferences and travel.
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