Research Studentship in Bioelectronics

Research Studentship in Bioelectronics

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship 

Project: Dynamic bioelectronic implants for neural interfacing

Supervisors: Prof Proctor

Significant advances have been made in the last two decades in interfacing electronic devices with the nervous system. Polymeric materials in particular have emerged as ideal materials for interfacing with the neural tissues due to their flexibility, biocompatibility and moreover their electronic and ionic conductivity. To that end, significant research efforts are being pursued to develop minimally invasive, implantable organic electronic devices integrating recording, stimulating, and drug delivery features. This project will develop such dynamic devices for neural interfacing that take full advantage of the favourable properties offered by conducting polymers and polymer substrates.  The exact nature of the project will be tailored to match the student’s interests and background. Areas of focus may include bioelectronic materials development, microfabrication, circuit design and application of novel technologies to basic neuroscience research and the treatment neurological disorders such as epilepsy and chronic pain.

Eligibility

This studentship is funded through the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership and is open to Home students (full award – home fees plus stipend). Full details of the eligibility requirements can be found on the UK Research and Innovation website .

There is very limited flexibility to support international students. If you are an international student and want to apply for this studentship please contact the supervisor to see whether the flexibility might be available for you.

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for Home students (c. £8960 p.a.). The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is c. £17668 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further two and a half years. 

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

• A first class honours degree in Engineering, Physics or Materials Science
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills

The following skills and experiences are desirable but not essential:

• Laser microfabrication and/or photolithography
• Design and fabrication of microfluidics
• Control system electronics
• Electrophysiology, chemistry or neuroscience

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Prof Proctor ([email protected]).

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria.  Details are available on the course page of the University website .

Please quote 23ENGBM_CP in all correspondence and in your graduate application.

Application deadline: noon on 9th December 2022

Start date: October 2023