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| MPhilPhD studentship Developing a novel clinical assessment tool for analysis of pathological/traumatic soft tissues | ||||||||||||
This studentship is a Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS) KESS is supported by ESF Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS) is a major European Convergence programme led by Bangor University on behalf of the HE sector in Wales. Benefiting from European Social Funds (ESF), KESS supports collaborative research projects (Research Masters and PhD) with external partners based in the Convergence area of Wales (West Wales and the Valleys). KESS will run from 2009 until 2014 and will provide 400+ PhD and Masters places. MPhilPhD studentship Developing a novel clinical assessment tool for analysis of pathological/traumatic soft tissues Programme of Research: In collaboration with Cardiff University School of Engineering the Engineering Research Centre, University of Glamorgan (http://engineering.research.glam.ac.uk) has acquired external funding to employ a research student to work on the development of a novel clinical assessment tool for analysis of pathological/traumatic soft tissues. The successful candidate is expected to enrol on a MPhil/PhD research programme at the University of Glamorgan. A healthy bearing surface (e.g. articular cartilage) ensures that movement about a biological joint is pain-free and efficient. Deterioration of this surface and subsequent pain (e.g. osteoarthritis) can currently only be qualitatively assessed via indirect methods. This proposal will develop a novel approach to quantify the bearing surface roughness, providing a more precise scale of joint performance. This will be achieved through completing four objectives Objective 1: 3D surface roughness quantification. The student will first develop/integrate surface roughness characterisation software techniques with the patented Photometrix algorithm, enabling quantification of surface roughness directly from 3D topographical images. Objective 2: Hardware design. An understanding of the typical endoscope (i.e. a key-hole camera) hardware will then enable the student to combine the new software with the current equipment. It is expected that this will prove the most challenging aspect of the project possibly requiring a re-design of the endoscope lens to acquire bi-focal images Objective 3: Validation. Validation of the merged Photometrix-endoscope technology will be performed using metallic standards, and compared to values obtained using the standard contact profilometry technique. The equipment will then be validated against a variety of soft tissues and the data compared against roughness values obtained using a soft tissue tribometer. Objective 4: Clinical practice. Once appropriately approved, the endoscope aims to be used to assess bearing surfaces in the human body. This position will offer the selected individual the following benefits: A competitive post-graduate student bursary with tuition fees paid for in the first three years of studies. Training opportunities in appropriate technologies. A challenging role in a successful research centre with excellent RAE 2008 results (http://postgrad.glam.ac.uk/RAE-2008/). This position will offer the selected individual the following benefits: A competitive post-graduate student bursary with tuition fees paid for in the first three years of studies. Training opportunities in appropriate technologies. A challenging role in a successful research centre with excellent RAE 2008 results (http://postgrad.glam.ac.uk/RAE-2008/). The suitable candidate will possess the following profile: First or upper Second class honours degree or cognate post graduate qualification in Physics, Computer Science, Electronics or Electrical Engineering, Medical or Biomechanical Engineering, or related discipline. Able to work independently whilst being a team player. Able to communicate well in both written and spoken English. Experience of C++, C# or Matlab/Octave programming with a sound mathematical background and a knowledge of optics and electronics would be an advantage. Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for a KESS award, you must be resident, upon application, in the Convergence Area of Wales and you must be able to take paid employment in the Convergence area on completion of the scholarship.The Convergence Area means the following counties of Wales: Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Ceredigion, Camarthshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Caerphilly, Torfaen Bursary: £13689 plus fees Closing Date: 31st August 2010 Interviews: September 2010 Start date: 1st October 2010 Contact details For an application form please contact: Jenny Andrews, Research Administrator, Faculty of Advanced Technology, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd. CF37 1DL email: atresadmin@glam.ac.uk For further programme information please contact: Professor Steve Wilcox:, Faculty of Advanced Technology, Univ. of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF38 2BW.Telephone: 01443-482810 Email: sjwilcox@glam.ac.uk |
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