Electricity can be used to treat or enhance the treatment of many diseases. Studies have shown that alternating low-intensity electric fields can suppress tumour growth, while electric fields can also enhance the transport of drugs across epithelial barriers, improving efficacy. In both cases, to be effective, the electric field should be applied close to the tissue. This project will investigate the use of flexible electronic patches that reside within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for generating tumour-treating fields to suppress colorectal cancer and enhance drug delivery. This will involve using printed electronics in combination with conventional electronic systems. The successful applicant will test various designs of a flexible electronic patch using suitable in-vitro models.
The applicant must have an excellent undergraduate degree (1st class honours degree) in Electronic, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering. The applicant should have some experience in electronics or a demonstratable willingness to learn. Candidates should have a keen interest in the translation of advanced healthcare technologies from the lab into the clinic.
This is a self-funded PhD project through several scholarships that cover Home (UK and Ireland) student fees and annual stipend are available from the School of Engineering for exceptional applicants. However, it should be noted that the award of these scholarships is highly competitive.
The University of Birmingham is a QS Top 100 University, and the School is one of the Top 10 Schools for Engineering in the UK, according to the Times Higher Education. The University is uniquely positioned to benefit any applicant interested in a future career in healthcare technology. The University emphasises the clinical translation of innovative research to ensure real-world impact through the Healthcare Technologies Institute and the Precision Healthcare Technology Accelerator. The School of Engineering also has an established Biomedical Engineering research group with links to several SME and multinational medical device companies.
Interested applicants must apply for this position using the university portal - https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS013.htm
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Dr Gerard Cummins at the School of Engineering ([Email Address Removed])
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