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We are offering two PhD scholarships at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia for the development of “Novel assessment tools to better understand the biomechanics of reverse shoulder arthroplasty”. The 1st project will focus on “Assessment of shoulder joint tension using musculoskeletal modelling in RSA” and the 2nd project will focus on “Assessment of fracture and glenoid component loosening in RSA”. The projects are a collaboration between Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Zimmer Biomet as part of the Zimmer Biomet-QUT strategic biomechanics research program.
We aim to develop new techniques that allow identifying optimal shoulder implant positioning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), considering parameters such as muscle elongation, muscle quality and risk of acromial (and other bone) fractures. These techniques include image-based, computational and experimental methods to address subject-specific implant positioning in RSA. Successful PhD candidates will use biomechanics principles to develop image-informed simulation tools of the shoulder to compute glenohumeral joint forces and to assess implications of different muscle lengths afters RSA. Furthermore, candidates may develop experimental testing methods to measure muscle elongation both ex vivo and in vivo.
Project areas include:
The stipend offered for this 3-year scholarship (with potential for a 6 months extension) will be at the APA rate of $37,000 p.a. Both Australian and international applicants are welcome to apply. However, this scholarship does not cover University tuition fees for international students, and international students may need to apply for a tuition fee scholarship at QUT, if successful in winning the scholarship.
Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in medical physics, biomechanics, mechanical engineering biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at Queensland University of Technology; Good knowledge of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, image- segmentation and analysis and excellent programming skills (MATLAB, Python, etc.); excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English, including meeting the QUT English language requirements (no exceptions can be made).
Desirable criteria: Experience in computational modelling: MSK and/or FE modelling; basic understanding of biomechanics of joints and muscles.
Enquiries: Professor Peter Pivonka (peter.pivonka@qut.edu.au).
Closing date: Please send your application including motivation letter, with your curriculum vitae to Professor Pivonka. Applications will be accepted until the scholarship is awarded, but applications will be assessed starting Sept 28th, 2026.
We aim to develop new techniques that allow identifying optimal shoulder implant positioning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), considering parameters such as muscle elongation, muscle quality and risk of acromial (and other bone) fractures. These techniques include image-based, computational and experimental methods to address subject-specific implant positioning in RSA. Successful PhD candidates will use biomechanics principles to develop image-informed simulation tools of the shoulder to compute glenohumeral joint forces and to assess implications of different muscle lengths afters RSA. Furthermore, candidates may develop experimental testing methods to measure muscle elongation both ex vivo and in vivo.
Project areas include:
- Development of subject-specific musculoskeletal (MSK) models of the shoulder;
- Development of finite element (FE) models of the shoulder with and without implants;
- Development of experimental methods to assess muscle tensioning;
- Development of MRI protocols to assess muscle quality;
The stipend offered for this 3-year scholarship (with potential for a 6 months extension) will be at the APA rate of $37,000 p.a. Both Australian and international applicants are welcome to apply. However, this scholarship does not cover University tuition fees for international students, and international students may need to apply for a tuition fee scholarship at QUT, if successful in winning the scholarship.
Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in medical physics, biomechanics, mechanical engineering biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at Queensland University of Technology; Good knowledge of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, image- segmentation and analysis and excellent programming skills (MATLAB, Python, etc.); excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English, including meeting the QUT English language requirements (no exceptions can be made).
Desirable criteria: Experience in computational modelling: MSK and/or FE modelling; basic understanding of biomechanics of joints and muscles.
Enquiries: Professor Peter Pivonka (peter.pivonka@qut.edu.au).
Closing date: Please send your application including motivation letter, with your curriculum vitae to Professor Pivonka. Applications will be accepted until the scholarship is awarded, but applications will be assessed starting Sept 28th, 2026.