PhD studentship in Mechanical Engineering - Project VISION: Evaluating and modelling the performance characteristics of intraocular forceps
PhD studentship in Mechanical Engineering - Project VISION: Evaluating and modelling the performance characteristics of intraocular forceps
Award Summary
100% home-fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/5 UKRI rate). This studentship will be based in the Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in the new Stephenson Building at Newcastle University. International applicants will need to ensure additional funding is secured to bridge the gap in tuition fees. Any successful international applicant will be invited to apply for the Newcastle University Overseas Research Scholarship to cover the difference in international tuition fees.
Overview
Do you want to work on the cutting-edge intersection of mechanical engineering, physics and biotechnology? Could you formulate ideas to answer our research questions: is it possible to design a machine which can accurately evaluate the surgical performance of intraocular forceps? Can you use this machine to design the next generation of forceps for our NHS? If the answer is yes, we want to hear from you!
Intraocular forceps, often used during surgical procedures on the retina, are designed to carefully peel tissues away from the retina with precision and control. These vitreoretinal forceps are used in 70-80% of all retinal surgeries, which is approximately 24,000 cases a year in UK alone, and over a million globally. Currently tip design is based on theoretical design parameters without reference to measured performance and success is based on surgeon feedback. The lack of quantitative data makes it challenging to ensure that forceps design is optimised.
Project VISION aims to fill the gap in this ability by further developing a recently patented machine to accurately assess the performance of forceps and forge the designs of the next generation of forceps for use across the global market.
Number Of Awards
1
Start Date
16th September 2024
Award Duration
4 years
Application Closing Date
22nd April 2024
Sponsor
Dutch Ophthalmic Research Centre (DORC) Ltd and EPSRC
Supervisors
Dr Richard Whalley ([email protected] ), Professor David Steel ([email protected] ).
Eligibility Criteria
You must have, or expect to gain, a first class Honours degree or international equivalent in engineering or physics. Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, a strong background in mathematics, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential requirements.
Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.
International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme ) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.
How To Apply
You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal
Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.
Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:
· search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8090F
· Research Area: Mechanical and Systems Engineering
· select ‘PhDMechanical Engineering’ as the programme of study
You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:
· a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
· the studentship code ENG127 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
· when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.
Contact Details
Dr Richard Whalley ([email protected] ), Professor David Steel ([email protected] ).
Similar Positions
-
Ph D In Mechanical Engineering Project Tear: Developing Super Miniature Sensors To Measure Vitreoretinal Traction During Vitrectomy , ; Newcastle University, United Kingdom, 24 days ago
Award summary 100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £18,622 (2023/24 UKRI rate). This studentship is open to home and international applicants and will be based in t...
-
Ph D Studentship Data Driven Optimisation For Process Scale Up , ;, United Kingdom, 4 days ago
Award summary 100% fees (Home & international), a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £18,622 (2023/24 UKRI rate), and a research training support grant of £20,000. Overview This PhD proje...
-
Ph D Studentship Development Of Water Soluble And Biodegradable Detergent Ingredients From Co2 And Bio Renewable Sources , ; Newcastle University, United Kingdom, 25 days ago
Award Summary 100% fees (Home & international), a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £18,622 (2023/24 UKRI rate), and a research training support grant of £20,000. Overview The PINZ CDT ...
-
Ph D Studentship Developing A Novel Imaging Flow Cytometer For Label Free Characterisation Of Human White Blood Cells In Health And Disease , ; Newcastle University, United Kingdom, 5 days ago
Award Summary 100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £18,622. Overview Are you interested in developing a 3D Imaging Flow Cytometer for biomedical applications? ...
-
Ph D In Mechanical And Systems Engineering: Manufacturing Of The Next Generation All Solid State Lithium Sulfur Batteries , ; Newcastle University, United Kingdom, 11 days ago
Award Summary 100% home fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate). International applicants are welcome to apply but will be required to cover the ...
-
Ph D Studentship: Polyoxoniobates For Catalysis In Green Chemical Processes , ; Newcastle University, United Kingdom, 11 days ago
Award Summary 100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate). The studentship includes attendance at international conferences and annual placemen...