The University of Sheffield is looking for a highly motivated enthusiastic PhD student with strong interest in the areas of Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering. This multidisciplinary project is based on the idea of bringing the knowledge accumulated in the field of Smart Materials into a different level of Biomedical applications. All research will be performed in close collaboration with the University of Edinburgh (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Orthopaedics)

This scholarship funds up to three years full-time or six years part-time study, subject to satisfactory progress. Part-time studentships are paid at 50% of the full-time rate.

Requirements:

You should have, or expect to achieve, a first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related fields with a strong interest in biomedical research topics.

• You should be applying to start your first year of study on a full-time or part-time PhD with the University of Sheffield in the 2014-15 academic year (i.e. after 1st August 2014, exact start date to be agreed with the supervisor/department).
• Awards are open to UK and EU applicants.

Study and/or research experience in the fields of smart materials, biomedical engineering, materials engineering or biomedical sciences are an advantage.

Funding details:

• full tuition fees (UK or EU)
• an annual, tax-free maintenance stipend of £13863

Description of the project

Over a million of fracture occur each year in the UK alone. Approximately 5-10% of them are characterized by impaired healing which leads to a great deal of suffering for the patient. Currently there is no effective way of assessing whether the fracture is healing satisfactorily. Therefore, it would be extremely advantageous to be able to detect impaired healing at an early stage so that an appropriate procedure could be performed on the fracture to facilitate the healing. This project concentrates on the development of a method and design of a device capable of monitoring of the fracture repair processes.

The main aim of the research proposed for the project is the development of a new generation of intelligent self-monitoring devices capable of monitoring the process of fracture healing, surrounding tissue conditions and detect any thermal effects with a help of embedded energy harvesting devices.

The key challenge is a novel design of an intelligent energy harvester capable of self-monitoring without any additional power source installed in vivo and without changing the whole technology of the standard procedures already in place.

Additionally the research will provide further insight into poorly investigated orthopaedic effects such asin-vivo coefficients of friction, the thermal conductivities of bone and its adaptation to physical activities.

The results of the research will contribute into general improvements of fracture healing monitoring and early stage inflammation detection. The final technology will potentially benefit patients improving their quality of life.

To apply please use our standard on-line PhD application form, and indicate on your form that you are replying to this advert, or email me-pgadmit<στο>sheffield.ac.uk for further guidance on applying.

Closing date for applications is 15 February 2015