At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop a cutting-edge model to optimise infection control and energy efficiency in healthcare settings.
- Company: University of Leeds, leading research in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Tax-free maintenance grant of £19,237 per year plus additional top-up for eligible graduates.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare by tackling infection risks and climate challenges.
- Qualifications: First or Upper Second Class UK Bachelor (Honours) in relevant fields.
The predicted salary is between 19237 - 22237 £ per year.
Funding EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship offering the award of fees, together with a tax‑free maintenance grant of £19,237 per year for 3.5 years. An additional top‑up of £3,000 per year for 3.5 years is also available to previous graduates of the University of Leeds.
Lead Supervisor: Dr Marco‑Felipe King – m.f.king@leeds.ac.uk
Co‑supervisors: Dr Amirul Khan – a.khan@leeds.ac.uk, Dr Martin Lopez‑Garcia – m.lopezgarcia@leeds.ac.uk
Project Summary
Background: The evolution of healthcare facilities is pivotal for effective patient care and safety. However, hospitals often grapple with the dual challenges of infection control and energy efficiency, particularly in the context of anticipated climate changes. Traditional environmental controls in hospitals, while focusing on infection transmission via air, close‑range interactions, and surface contact, have not adequately addressed the emerging needs for energy optimisation and climate resilience. The anticipated rise in temperatures by 2050 underscores the urgency for future‑proofed healthcare infrastructures.
Hypothesis: We hypothesise that there are diminishing returns from net‑zero energy consumption when also accounting for minimising infection risk in hospital patient and staff areas by 2050.
Aims and Objectives: The student will advance an existing Discrete Event Simulation (DEVS) Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) model, integrating multiple transmission pathways to evaluate patient spaces in terms of infection control in hospitals while simultaneously optimising energy usage. The primary aim is to further develop and validate through in‑situ measurement of environmental parameters a DEVS QMRA model that holistically considers airborne, close‑range, and surface transmission of infections. This model will balance environmental controls, keeping in view the dual objectives of infection risk mitigation and energy efficiency.
- Agent‑Based Discrete Event Simulation Development: Develop the agent‑based DEVS model to predict human behaviour and airflow movement in hospital settings.
- Model Calibration with Behaviour Data: Calibrate the model against existing human behaviour data collected during the HECOIRA project, ensuring the model reflects real‑world scenarios within hospital environments.
- Model Calibration with Ventilation Data: Calibrate the model’s parameters specifically for inter‑zonal ventilation rates and energy usage. This will involve air quality measurements using wireless sensors within NHS St James’ in Leeds to align the model with practical energy demands and airflow dynamics.
- Evaluate Microbial Exposure from Surface Contamination: Refine the quantitative pathogen exposure model as part of the DEVS QMRA framework. This model will enable a comparison of the relative risk of air and surface transmission and assess the effectiveness of different design and infection control strategies.
This project represents a significant step forward in the field of healthcare facility management and infection control. By developing and implementing an advanced DEVS QMRA model, the project aims to optimise hospital environments for better infection control and energy efficiency, addressing both current needs and future challenges posed by climate change. The integration of real‑world data and collaborative efforts with healthcare professionals ensures that the solutions are not only innovative but also practically applicable.
Entry Requirements: First or Upper Second Class UK Bachelor (Honours) or equivalent.
Subject Area: Civil & Structural Engineering, Applied Mathematics.
PhD Studentship: Dynamic Infection Control and Environmental Optimisation in Healthcare (DICE-H) in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
The University of Leeds offers an exceptional environment for PhD students, particularly in the field of healthcare innovation. With a strong focus on research and collaboration, students benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages personal and professional growth. The DICE-H project not only provides generous funding but also allows students to engage with real-world challenges in infection control and energy optimisation, making it a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Dynamic Infection Control and Environmental Optimisation in Healthcare (DICE-H) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field of healthcare engineering and infection control. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet professionals and discuss your interests. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in infection control and energy optimisation. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to projects like DICE-H. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference in healthcare.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that PhD studentship! We want to see your application and help you take the next step in your career. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to work on something impactful!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Dynamic Infection Control and Environmental Optimisation in Healthcare (DICE-H) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the DICE-H project. We want to see your passion for infection control and energy optimisation in healthcare, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Relevant Experience:If you've worked on similar projects or have relevant academic background, make it shine! We love seeing how your past experiences can contribute to our goals at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your enthusiasm comes through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the project’s background and objectives. Familiarise yourself with the DEVS QMRA model and how it relates to infection control and energy efficiency in healthcare. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Connect with Your Supervisors
Reach out to Dr Marco-Felipe King and the co-supervisors before the interview. Ask insightful questions about their research or the project. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you build rapport with them, which can be a big plus during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Skills
Highlight any experience you have with Discrete Event Simulation or quantitative microbial risk assessment. If you’ve worked on similar projects or have relevant coursework, make sure to discuss these experiences. Tailor your examples to align with the aims of the studentship.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about how you would approach balancing infection control with energy optimisation in a hospital setting. Practising these types of questions can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
