Summary

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) occurs in 8-9 per 1000 livebirths. Improving treatments mean that an increasing number of infants with complex conditions can now survive.

They are however, a vulnerable group and there is an increasing need for robust home-monitoring to assist with early detection of changes in clinical status.

This is particularly important when infants are discharged from hospital at a time  when they are still only in the weight range 3 to 6kg.

This project aims to integrate monitoring technology into smart textiles, with design suitable for wear by small infants. Monitoring will track breathing, heart rate, arrythmias and oxygen levels  to provide clinical feedback and parental reassurance.

Measurement of  clinically relevant metrics in the home environment are essential to reduce the risk of sudden death in the first few months of life.

Implementing a state-of-the-art vital-signs monitoring system for paediatric cardiac patients is essential for optimising treatment outcomes.

Therefore, a PhD project is proposed with a multidisciplinary approach that combines design, materials science, paediatric cardiology and engineering to meet the challenges.

Key objectives include selecting new and appropriate fabrics & materials, incorporating conductive inks/dielectrics or conductive yarns for electronics (with validation and test); designing the garment's construction to be comfortable (surveyed), biocompatible (lab testing), robust (accelerated life testing), washable  (fully age / mechanical tested) and fully functional (a pre-clinical technical trial on 40 patients).

The project team have a strong track record in researching  the use of home monitoring technology in children and this study will combine the skills of the Paediatric Cardiology and Electronic Engineering, and textiles teams in Ulster University.

We see this project as being suitable for someone with a Health Sciences or Nursing background who would work alongside colleagues in engineering and textile design.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Medicine, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period