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University: Delft University of Technology
Location: Delft, Netherlands
Faculty: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Project: ERC Starting Grant “Diversity Outside In”
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
Fully Funded PhD in Inclusive Musculoskeletal Modelling
Delft University of Technology is offering a fully funded PhD position in Diversity in Musculoskeletal Modelling within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. This doctoral opportunity is part of the prestigious ERC Starting Grant project “Diversity Outside In”, which aims to transform musculoskeletal modelling by explicitly integrating demographic diversity into computational frameworks.
Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. However, current musculoskeletal (MSK) models often fail to account for variations across age, sex, ethnicity, and body morphology. This project will develop next-generation, inclusive models that improve prevention strategies, rehabilitation methods, and athletic performance programs.
Research Focus: Diversity-Driven Musculoskeletal Models
The PhD candidate will serve as the modelling expert in a multidisciplinary research team, contributing to the development of innovative methodologies for subject-specific musculoskeletal modelling.
Key Objectives
- Develop a musculoskeletal modelling pipeline to generate subject-specific models using in-vivo measurement data
- Create an open-source database of healthy, diverse MSK models
- Integrate morphometric scaling approaches to better reflect demographic variation
- Conduct validation experiments using motion capture, dynamometry, and fluoroscopy
- Perform predictive simulations to evaluate the impact of demographic factors on musculoskeletal loading and movement
By combining experimental biomechanics, cadaveric verification, and computational modelling, this research will establish a new benchmark for inclusive biomechanical simulation.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Master’s degree in Biomechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
- Strong experience in musculoskeletal modelling
- Experience with OpenSim modelling software
- Solid programming skills in Python and/or MATLAB
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- Ability to communicate with study participants in Dutch
Preferred Skills
- Experience with human motion capture experiments
- Knowledge of Arabic, Turkish, or other languages to support diverse participant communication
- Ability to work independently and within a collaborative research team
This position is ideal for candidates who enjoy combining hands-on experimental research with advanced computational modelling techniques.
About Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a globally recognized technical university known for excellence in science, engineering, and design. The university addresses global challenges in energy, climate, mobility, health, and digital society through interdisciplinary research and innovation.
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering conducts cutting-edge research spanning materials science, biomechanics, production systems, and mechanical design. It offers state-of-the-art laboratories and a dynamic international research environment.
TU Delft embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as core institutional values, fostering an innovative academic community where researchers from diverse backgrounds can thrive.
Employment Conditions and Salary
- Four-year PhD appointment (initial 1.5-year contract with go/no-go evaluation)
- Full-time contract (38 hours per week)
- Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 over four years
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- Enrollment in the TU Delft Graduate School
- Structured doctoral training and transferable skills development
- Relocation support through the Coming to Delft Service
- Dual Career Programme for accompanying partners
Application Procedure
Interested candidates must apply online by March 20, 2026. Applications should include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivational letter addressed to Eline van der Kruk
Email applications will not be processed.
As part of knowledge security regulations, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the final stages of recruitment to prevent unauthorized transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
Advance Inclusive Biomechanics Research
This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to diversity-driven musculoskeletal modelling, bridging experimental biomechanics, computational simulation, and equitable healthcare innovation.
If you are passionate about advancing inclusive biomechanical research and developing subject-specific musculoskeletal models that reflect real-world diversity, this doctoral opportunity at TU Delft provides an exceptional academic and professional pathway.
Apply now at: https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-Position-Diversity-in-Musculoskeletal-Modelling-2628-CD/1354005557/
