PhD Opportunity: Circular Economy for Medical Devices

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Loughborough, ENGLAND
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 18 Sep 2022

Medical devices account for a significant environmental footprint due to the large volume of use. For example, in the UK alone the medical device market was worth USD 9.5 Bn in 2015. The environmental burden is exacerbated by the regulatory barriers to the re-use or refurbishment of medical devices. While the use once and dispose model has served patient safety well until now, the continuing fast growth of the medical device waste coupled with the resource depletion crisis means that it is urgent to find ways to apply circular economy principles to this sector, while not sacrificing protection of patient health.

The aim of this PhD programme will be to address the barriers to implementation of a circular economy model to medical devices. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to identify a research focus area around a specific medical product family, in line with their interests and previous experience, and will benefit from the guidance and extensive expertise in manufacturing sustainability and recycling technologies of the supervisory team. In addition, the candidate will work closely with a team of researchers employed on the £1.5M project on “Circular Economy for Small Medical Devices” funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), and interact with the project’s stakeholders which include NHS Trusts, product manufacturers as well as NHS waste processors.

On completion of the programme the successful candidate will be equipped with skills, knowledge and experience suitable for future roles addressing sustainability in industry or academia, and in particular in the medical sector.

Is the project University funded or self-funded?: University funded

Funding eligibility: Competition funded project (students worldwide)

Who is eligible to apply?: Both UK and International

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time (3 years)

Closing Date: 18th September 2022

Advert Reference: P2SAM22-23

Apply Link:https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/research-applications/