PhD Studentship Opportunity in Muscle Physiology and Fibrous Structures - how the micro-scale structure and damage of muscle fibres can influence their response at a larger scale.

A fully funded PhD opportunity has become available in the Centre for Biomedical Engineering, within the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, at the University of Surrey.

Coordinated muscle response is necessary for activities ranging from walking and respiration to swallowing and pumping blood around the body. The physiology of muscles has also been shown to be affected by prior damage even if cosmetically healed. This project will investigate how the micro-scale structure and damage of muscle fibres can influence their response at a larger scale.

The scope of the studentship will include elements of structural mechanics, physiology, computational modelling and possibly experimental analysis. It would suit biomedical/medical, mechanically based and civil engineers with some experience in one or more of the areas listed.

The overall aim of the project is to apply the findings to real-world biomedical problems and to cast new light on conditions affecting a significant proportion of the population. The computational models that are developed may also have applications in other fields such as tissue engineering and surgical simulation.

Eligibility
A first or upper-second class degree in engineering or physical sciences, or equivalent overseas qualification, or a lower second plus a good Masters degree. Experience of numerical modelling, particularly finite element analysis, would be beneficial but is not necessary. An interest in applying techniques from a number of different fields is required.

Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.

Start Date
1st July 2018. However, an alternative start date of 1st October 2018 could be accommodated.

Supervision
The project will be under the supervision of Dr Matthew Oldfield.
https://www.surrey.ac.uk/mes/people/dr_matthew_oldfield

Applications
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the project supervisor, Dr Matthew Oldfield ([Email Address Removed] and 01483 684402), for further information.

Applications should be made online via Biomedical Engineering programme page, which can be found at:
https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/biomedical-engineering-phd

Please state the project title and supervisor clearly on all applications – preferably as part of the project title. When following the online application procedure, please also make sure to include a CV and covering letter. Applications sent via email cannot be considered at this time.