PhD Studentship in Bioresorbable Intestinal Devices with Embedded Sensors
Develop next-generation bioresorbable intestinal devices with embedded sensors for long-term gastrointestinal monitoring.
Best for:Best for interdisciplinary engineers with a first-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, eager to work at the intersection of electronics, materials science, and biomedical applications.
Overview
This PhD studentship at the University of Birmingham focuses on designing orally delivered, bioresorbable devices that integrate flexible printed circuitry and custom microfabricated sensors for gastrointestinal monitoring. The project aims to address the challenge of long-term intestinal retention without obstruction, leveraging cleanroom microfabrication, sensor calibration, finite element modeling, and polymer processing. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge healthcare technology, with opportunities for clinical translation through the university’s Healthcare Technologies Institute and Precision Healthcare Technology Accelerator. The role is ideal for interdisciplinary engineers with a passion for biomedical innovation and hands-on prototyping.
What you'll do
- Design and develop orally delivered, bioresorbable devices incorporating embedded sensors for gastrointestinal monitoring.
- Conduct cleanroom microfabrication and thin-film patterning for sensor fabrication.
- Perform sensor design, calibration, and testing in simulated intestinal environments.
- Apply finite element modeling to analyze structural and retention properties of the devices.
- Collaborate on polymer processing and embedded electronics integration.
- Contribute to ex vivo tissue methods for device validation and performance assessment.
- Engage in interdisciplinary research with links to medical device companies and healthcare innovation initiatives.
Requirements
Degree required: First-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, applied physics, or a closely related subject
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and collaboration
Instruction: English
- Strong interest in hands-on engineering and interdisciplinary problem-solving
- Experience with mechanics, materials, and electronics (preferred but not required)
- Basic familiarity with microfabrication, finite element analysis, or embedded systems (welcome but not mandatory)
- Applicants eligible for home fee status (UK citizens, Irish citizens, or EU citizens with settled status in the UK)
- International applicants may apply, but funding is competitive and limited
- No age restrictions, but applicants must be highly motivated and graduating with a first-class degree
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-01-07
Applicants must submit a CV and a brief note explaining their interest in the project via email to Dr Gerard Cummins at G.Cummins@bham.ac.uk. Informal enquiries are welcome. The application process involves a competitive review based on academic merit.
- CV
- Cover note explaining interest in the project
- BSc/MSc transcripts (if applicable)
Contact
Gerard Cummins· Supervisor
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