Research Associate in Biomechanics of Spinal Surgery (POLYFIX-DCM Trial)

University of Cambridge - Department of Medicine

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive spinal cord injury treated with decompression surgery. For decompression from the back of the neck, it is unclear whether additional stabilisation with rods improves recovery. The NIHR POLYFIX-DCM trial is the first major study to answer this question.

We are seeking a Research Associate to support a nested mechanistic study within the trial, investigating whether stabilisation reduces mechanical stress on the spinal cord and/or if benefits are confined to specific subgroups. This will involve developing and applying finite element models based on patient imaging and linking predicted stress with MRI markers and clinical outcomes.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop finite element (FE) methods to model spinal cord stress in DCM
• Integrate patient imaging data into FE models
• Compare FE predictions with clinical and MRI outcomes
• Analyse and report findings for clinical and scientific audiences
• Present research at conferences and publish results

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager. The closing date is the 30th of September 2025.