Biomechanics of orthotic treatment for hand pathology

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD studentship in the biomechanics of orthotic treatment for hand pathology, within the group headed by Dr Angela Kedgley (http://www.kedgley.org), to be carried out within the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London. The PhD position is fully funded for UK candidates as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotics.

The main non-surgical treatment strategies for musculoskeletal pathology of the hand and wrist are pain relief and removable orthoses or splints; however, the evidence for orthoses use is lacking, in part owing to the inability to quantify patient compliance and usage. The project will aim to develop, optimise, and validate a biomechanical approach to determine the effect of orthoses on the musculoskeletal system using both experimental and computational techniques.

Key elements of the EPSRC CDT in P&O
The Centre will provide training that supports exciting careers in a global healthcare industry that meets the needs of diverse user groups and stakeholders. The CDT combines expertise from the University of Salford, Imperial College London, University of Strathclyde and the University of Southampton, with more than 25 industry partners and national facilities.
In year 1, students undertake a training course of taught modules, a short project and a clinical and/or industry placement. For the first six months all students will based at the University of Salford, after which they will move to Imperial College London to complete their PhD programme of research.
• Ambitious PhD projects that blend high quality training with practical experiences that enhance employability.
• Training in research skills relevant to prosthetics, orthotics and the wider healthcare technology industry.
• Integrated training in engineering, physical, medical and clinical sciences, as well as business, entrepreneurial and other professional skills
• Opportunities to work on research projects directly with industry and users, and understand the journey from user needs to product or service implementation.

Ideally the applicant should have either:
- a minimum of an upper-second class honours degree from an undergraduate course in an appropriate physical or biomedical science, mathematics or engineering
or
- a clinical qualification recognised by the HCPC or GMC and related to users of prosthetics and orthotics, with additional evidence of skills in engineering and physical science research (e.g. biomechanics, human joint motion).


To apply for this position, please email a single PDF file including: a cover letter describing your interests and research experience, your CV, a copy of transcripts, and names and contact information of two references to Dr Angela Kedgley ([Email Address Removed]) with the subject line ‘PhD2019’. Although applications will be accepted until the position is filled, early applications will be given priority.