PhD Studentship: Electrical Sensing of Dynamic Cardiovascular Volume
Explore novel low-energy electrical sensing techniques to estimate cardiovascular fluid volume changes in a benchtop experimental model.
Best for:Best for graduates in electrical/electronic engineering, biomedical engineering, or related quantitative disciplines with hands-on electronics and programming experience.
Overview
This MSc by Research position at the University of East Anglia focuses on developing electrical sensing methods to measure dynamic cardiovascular fluid volume changes. Led by Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick in the Engineering, Mathematics & Physical Sciences (EMP) department, the project aims to determine whether low-energy electrical measurements can reliably estimate fluid volume variations in a cardiovascular system. The student will design and build a benchtop experimental phantom, conduct signal processing using MATLAB/Python, and systematically evaluate different configurations to identify reproducible sensing approaches. The work combines electronics, instrumentation, and computational analysis to define the physical and engineering limits of the technique, with potential applications in future cardiovascular sensing technologies.
What you'll do
- Design and construct a benchtop experimental phantom to simulate controlled fluid volume changes in a cardiovascular system.
- Develop and apply purpose-designed electrodes for low-energy electrical signal detection across the system.
- Perform signal processing using MATLAB or Python to compare electrical measurements with independently measured reference data.
- Systematically explore how different experimental configurations influence the relationship between electrical measurements and fluid volume.
- Analyze and interpret results to determine the reliability and reproducibility of the sensing technique.
- Progressively develop the experimental system based on initial findings to explore more complex geometries and physiologically representative models.
- Document and publish findings to define the physical and engineering limits of the electrical sensing approach.
Requirements
Degree required: Minimum 2:1 Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical/Electronic Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Bioengineering; Physics/Applied Physics; Mechatronics; Computer Science/Data Science; Applied Mathematics; or a closely related quantitative discipline. Applicants from other backgrounds may be considered if they demonstrate relevant electronics, instrumentation, programming, or signal-processing experience.
Degree offered: MSc by Research
Language: English proficiency (no specific test mentioned)
Instruction: English
- Hands-on experience with electronics and instrumentation design
- Programming proficiency in MATLAB or Python for signal processing
- Experience with experimental prototyping and system identification
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Ability to work independently in a laboratory setting
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned
- Applicants must have a minimum 2:1 Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- No age restrictions mentioned
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-23
Applicants must apply through the University of East Anglia's postgraduate research application portal. Ensure your application includes all required documents and clearly state your interest in this specific project. The application process involves submitting academic transcripts, a CV, and a research proposal or statement of interest.
- CV
- Cover letter or statement of interest
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor's degree)
- Two reference letters
- Research proposal or statement of interest
Contact
Dennis Fitzpatrick· Primary Supervisor
https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/dennis-fitzpatrick/
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