At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop patient-specific wrist implants using cutting-edge computational and experimental methods.
- Company: Join the School of Mechanical Engineering at Leeds, collaborating with Attenborough Medical.
- Benefits: Receive full academic fees and a tax-free maintenance grant of £19,237 per year for 3.5 years.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience, project management skills, and present at international conferences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by innovating wrist repair solutions.
- Qualifications: Background in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering with interest in Mathematical Modelling.
The predicted salary is between 19237 - 19237 £ per year.
Eligibility: UK Applicants only
Funding: School of Mechanical Engineering Studentship offering the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £19,237 per year for 3.5 years.
Lead Supervisor: Dr Marlene Mengoni – m.mengoni@leeds.ac.uk
Co-supervisor name: Professor Sophie Williams – s.d.williams@leeds.ac.uk
Project summary: A funded PhD is available to develop patient-specific evaluation of custom wrist repairs, in collaboration with industry partner Attenborough Medical. In this PhD project, you will access unique computational and experimental facilities and know-how from the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at Leeds. You will also work in close collaboration with Attenborough Medical, a leading company for patient-specific implants in the UK, located in Nottingham.
Surgical fixation after a distal radius fracture can result in both flexor and extensor tendons complications in over one in six patients treated surgically, with tendon rupture occurring in a quarter of them. Complications are mostly due to tissue-devices interaction (tissue irritation, adhesion or direct laceration); as such their occurrence may be reduced with patient-specific implant designs.
You will aim to develop a combination of in silico and in vitro models of wrist repair that can assess the risk of tissue damage following surgery. The PhD project will first assess the type of movements likely to create tissue damage following wrist repair: you will create computational and experimental models to identify the type of movement generating tissue-device contact. The project will then explore one of two avenues:
- Assess the tissue-level damage propagation for the tendons of the wrist. This will require the development of new lab-based and computational methods, to enable comparing the possible damage created by off-the-shelf devices and patient-specific devices from Attenborough Medical.
- Explore design optimisation with participant or patient data. This will require collecting motion data from participants and patients and use that data either in combination with their own medical imaging or with generic imaging to develop a computational model which can account for person-specific movement when assessing the risk of damage following wrist repair.
You will have a background in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering, with a keen interest in Mathematical Modelling or Finite Element Analysis, and in Experimental testing. You will learn practical aspects of project management, scientific writing for technical or non-technical dissemination, and gain presentation skills through international conferences and group meetings. You will gain specific technical skills and training in computational modelling, 3D image analysis, and experimental testing of tissues. During the project, you may be expected to prepare and test human cadaveric tissue specimens; previous experience in handling human or animal tissue would be beneficial, but not essential - full training will be provided.
References: None
Please state your entry requirements plus any necessary or desired background: First or Upper Second Class UK Bachelor (Honours) or equivalent
Subject Area: Biomedical Engineering
Keywords: Modelling, Biomechanics, Experimental Design, In-silico Prediction
PhD Studentship: Patient-Specific Wrist Implants in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
At Attenborough Medical, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and personal growth. Located in Nottingham, our partnership with the University of Leeds provides PhD candidates with access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship from leading experts in the field, ensuring a rewarding academic journey. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on impactful research, we empower our team to make significant contributions to patient-specific healthcare solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Patient-Specific Wrist Implants in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your professors, industry contacts, or even alumni from your university. They might have insider info on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your passion for the field. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
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Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position.
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Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that PhD studentship! We’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who are eager to make a difference in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Patient-Specific Wrist Implants in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the PhD position. Highlight your background in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering and any relevant experience in Mathematical Modelling or Experimental Testing. We want to see how your skills align with the project!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about patient-specific implants and how your interests match the project goals. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the research area.
Showcase Relevant Experience:If you've worked on projects involving computational modelling or experimental testing, make sure to mention them! We’re keen to see any hands-on experience you have, especially if it involves tissue handling or biomechanics.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key concepts related to patient-specific implants, biomechanics, and mathematical modelling. Familiarise yourself with the latest research in these areas, especially any work done by Attenborough Medical or similar companies.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your genuine interest in the project and how it aligns with your career goals. Talk about why you’re excited about developing custom wrist repairs and how you see this PhD contributing to advancements in biomedical engineering.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready for Dr Mengoni and Professor Williams. This could be about their research interests, the collaboration with Attenborough Medical, or the specific methodologies you might use during the project. It shows you’re engaged and eager to learn.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have any experience with experimental testing or handling tissue specimens, make sure to mention it! Even if it’s limited, discussing your willingness to learn and adapt will demonstrate your commitment to the project.
