PhD Position From Body Shape To Musculoskeletal Model (Biomechanics)

TL;DR

PhD Position (Biomechanics): Developing methods to map internal musculoskeletal geometries from external body shape and demographics with an accent on parametric and statistical modeling. Focus on designing models to infer skeletal geometry and implementing algorithms for 3D body scanning and motion capture.

Location: Delft, Netherlands. Relocation to the Netherlands is required.

Salary: €3,059 - €3,881 gross per month

Company

hirify.global is a top international university combining science, engineering, and design to address global challenges in health, energy, and mobility.

What you will do

• Contribute to large-scale data collection using MR imaging, ultrasound, and motion capture with human subjects.
• Develop parametric human body models tailored for biomechanics research.
• Design and train models to infer internal skeletal and muscular geometry from external body shape.
• Build statistical models to enable subject-specific model personalization.
• Implement algorithms into hardware and software for 3D body scanning and video-based motion capture.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of experts in anatomy, medical imaging, and clinical sciences.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Biomechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Technical Medicine, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related.
• Experience with statistical or parametric modelling (e.g., statistical shape models, PCA-based methods).
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar.
• Familiarity with musculoskeletal modelling tools such as OpenSim or AnyBody.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required for scientific writing and thesis production.
• Must be based in or be able to relocate to the Netherlands.

Nice to have

• Experience with medical imaging data (MRI, ultrasound, or CT).
• Background in machine learning or deep learning for regression or shape inference.
• Knowledge of 3D geometry, mesh processing, or computer vision.
• Ability to communicate with participants in Dutch, Arabic, or Turkish.

Culture & Benefits

• 4-year employment period structured via two consecutive contracts.
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Customizable compensation package and discounts on health insurance.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Enrollment in the hirify.global Graduate School with a comprehensive Doctoral Education Programme.
• Relocation support via the Coming to Delft Service and a Dual Career Programme for partners.