About the Project
The Medical Robotics Lab at the University of York has career opportunities in the area of Medical Robotics and Medical Mechatronics. Applications are invited for a PhD student in surgical robotics and related basic science.
Image-guided catherisation is widely used in interventional radiology and oncology. Numerous publications have reported that catheter tracking and navigation can improve targeting accuracy over freehand catheter insertion. However, most navigation systems in the market are very expensive. Many of them, if not all, require major changes of the standard clinical workflow to facilitate registration between the tracking system and the patient. Furthermore, some systems have to modify standard needles, which increases disposable cost and may eventually limit the clinical acceptance of the approach. The goal of this proposal is to develop and validate a cost effective, easy-to-use and fully integrated navigation system for smart catheter procedures during image guided cancer diagnosis and treatment.
We are seeking exceptional, self-motivated individuals to work with an interdisciplinary team to construct and test a novel minimally-invasive device to reach far inside the human body. Research will include: mechanical and electronic circuit designs, prototyping and pre-clinical testing of diagnostic and therapeutic devices to address clinical problems. A thorough understanding and hands-on experience of user-centered designs, electronic circuitry, programming and system control in medical applications are highly appreciated. Publication of results is also an integral part of the positions.
Key areas of research include:
- Design, development and experimental validation of mechanical and electronic systems for robot-assisted surgery
- Integration of novel and established tools for controlling and validating accurate placement of diagnostic and treatment devices
- Investigation of clinical workflows and validation of developed robotic systems in collaboration with clinical partners
We are interested in candidates with a strong background in one or more of the following areas:
- Degree in Mechanical, Electronic, Electrical, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related fields
- Hands-on experience of engineering designs, circuitry, system control and integration, particularly in mechatronic systems
- Demonstrated capability in designs, fabrications, and testing of novel devices
- Proficiency in LabView, Matlab and SolidWorks
- Hands-on experience of 3D printing, laser cutting, 3D scanning and rapidprototping
- Demonstrated capability in smartphone programming, internet of things (IoT) and RFID applications
In addition, the following skills and experience would be a plus:
- Knowledge in digital imaging, medical imaging (MRI, CT, Ultrasound, X-ray), and tracking (optical and electromagnetic tracking) and image-guided therapy
- Programming experience in C, C++, Python, Android Studio, Xcode, App Inventor
- Previous experience in medical device prototyping
Candidates will conduct research in the area of minimally invasive interventions in close collaboration with clinical partners.
Entry requirements:
Candidates must have (or expect to obtain) a minimum of a UK upper second class honours degree (2.1) or equivalent in Mechanical, Electronic, Electrical, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related fields.
How to apply:
Applicants must apply via the University’s online application system at https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/. Please read the application guidance first so that you understand the various steps in the application process. To apply, please select the PhD in Electronic Engineering for October 2020 entry. Please specify in your PhD application that you would like to be considered for this studentship.
Applications for this studentship will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant is identified.
Funding Notes
This studentship will cover the tuition fee at the home/EU rate (£4,407 in 2020/21) and a stipend at the standard research council rate for a period of up to 3.5 years (£15,285 in 2020/21). International (non-EU) candidates are also welcome to apply but will be required to pay the difference between the UK/EU and international tuition fee rates (approximately £17,000 per year for the duration of the programme).
Applications for this studentship will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant is identified.