At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop patient-specific wrist repair models using cutting-edge computational and experimental techniques.
- 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 valuable skills in project management, scientific writing, and presentation through international conferences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by innovating wrist repair solutions for patients.
- Qualifications: Background in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering with interest in Mathematical Modelling or Experimental Testing.
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: Towards Digital Evaluation of Patient-Specific Wrist Repair in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
As a PhD student at the University of Leeds, you will be part of a vibrant academic community that fosters innovation and collaboration, particularly in the field of Biomedical Engineering. With access to cutting-edge computational and experimental facilities, you will not only receive a generous maintenance grant but also benefit from close partnerships with industry leaders like Attenborough Medical, enhancing your research experience and career prospects. The supportive work culture encourages personal and professional growth, making it an excellent environment for aspiring researchers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Towards Digital Evaluation of Patient-Specific Wrist Repair in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field of Biomedical Engineering, especially those who might know about the PhD project. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and even recommendations that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the project details. Understand the challenges of wrist repairs and think about how your skills in Mathematical Modelling or Finite Element Analysis can contribute. Show them you’re not just interested, but passionate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After any interaction with potential supervisors or collaborators, drop them a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to show you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Towards Digital Evaluation of Patient-Specific Wrist Repair 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 Finite Element Analysis. 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 this PhD project and how your interests align with the work of Dr Mengoni and Professor Williams. Let us know what excites you about patient-specific implants and wrist repair.
Showcase Relevant Experience:If you've got experience with experimental testing or handling human/animal tissue, make sure to mention it! Even if it's not essential, it can give you an edge. We love seeing candidates who are eager to learn and grow in these areas.
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. We can't wait to hear from you!
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 Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, especially in areas like Mathematical Modelling and Finite Element Analysis. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the project, such as patient-specific implants and tissue-device interactions, so you can discuss them confidently.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your genuine interest in the project and the impact it could have on patient care. Talk about any relevant experiences or projects you've worked on that align with the goals of the PhD, especially those involving experimental testing or computational modelling.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions for Dr Marlene Mengoni and Professor Sophie Williams about the project and their expectations. This shows you're engaged and serious about the opportunity. You might ask about the collaboration with Attenborough Medical or the types of data you'll be collecting.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll be expected to present your findings at conferences, practice explaining complex ideas clearly and concisely. Consider doing a mock presentation to a friend or mentor to get feedback on your delivery and clarity.
