Research Associate
Cardiff School of Engineering
Advert
Research Associate
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility (MSKBRF)
Cardiff School of Engineering
The Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility has been awarded EPSRC funding for an exciting research project led by Cardiff University, collaborating with Imperial College London.
This post presents an opportunity to work with an internationally recognised research teams (UK, US and Belgium), and industry partners on the development a Multi-platform pipeline for engineering human knee joint function (ENGIN KNEE). For this project, we will combine state of the art methods, ranging from advanced computer modelling (in silico), through robot driven testing of implanted knees (in vitro), to 3-dimensional X-ray imaging of moving patients (in vivo) with Machine Learning driven analysis, to deliver a knee joint analysis pipeline capable of driving surgical innovation beyond 2030.
The work program, based at Cardiff University, and in collaboration with Katholik University Leuven, Belgium and University of Florida, USA, will develop and validate test protocols and musculoskeletal models in the MSKBRF Dynamic X-ray imaging and Motion Analysis Laboratories. Employing state-of-the-art techniques alongside novel concepts, robust institutional and industry collaboration and continuous engagement with clinicians and patients, the project will enable the development of new, realistic, practical musculoskeletal models to understand knee loading and stability in patients having total knee replacement surgery.
In your role, you will conduct research involving the development and validation of subject specific musculoskeletal models, knee movement and loading. These will be generated from data collected in our bespoke, in vivo, dynamic, dual plane X-ray imaging facility, where video X-ray is synchronised with motion capture (marker based and markerless). Data from patients and healthy volunteers will be generated in collaboration orthopaedic surgeons who are project partners based at the the Cardiff and Vale Orthopaedic Centre. The resulting outputs and new high-fidelity models with provide inputs to the in the bespoke in vitro robot testing facility at Imperial College and contribute to the multiplatform pipeline to inform testing and modelling standards and produce open access databases for use across the research community.
Your main duties would include:
• Working with research collaborators to develop and refine research methodologies and protocols to achieve project goals.
• Developing high fidelity, subject specific, musculoskeletal models from data collected in the laboratory from human research participants, with subsequent analyse and comparison of outputs, according to project requirements.
• Liaising with research team, clinicians, volunteer participants and members of the public regarding the research project aim and objectives and informed consenting processes.
This post is full time (35 hours per week) from the 1st November 2025 and is fixed term until 31st January 2027.
Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). It is not expected that an appointment be made above Grade 6 Point 32, £41,064 per annum.
Job ref: 20795BR
For informal enquiries about the post please contact Professor Cathy Holt, Dr David Williams, and Ms Jenny Williams Holt@cardiff.ac.uk, WilliamsD37@cardiff.ac.uk, and WilliamsJ154@cardiff.ac.uk
For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Enginadmin@cardiff.ac.uk
Date advert posted: Friday, 16 January 2026
Closing date: Sunday, 1 February 2026
The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Job Description
Research
• To conduct research within the area of motion analysis and musculoskeletal modelling in the laboratories housed in the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
Other
• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the research field of Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and Modelling:
3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
4. Proven ability to publish in national/international journals, present at national/international conferences and produce other relevant research outputs
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
Communication and Team Working
6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
Other
8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working
9. Proven ability to work without close supervision
Desirable Criteria
1. Relevant professional qualification(s) in in one or more of the areas of Engineering, Medical Engineering, Biomechanics, Musculoskeletal Modelling, Movement Science
2. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
3. Evidence of collaborations with industry / NHS
4. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
Additional Information
IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 20795BR
Job Category
Academic – Research
