PhD Study : High Precision 3D Printing for Novel Biomedical Applications

Summary

3D printing technologies have attracted widespread attention as a new paradigm of customised production for innovative and established applications, ranging from healthcare and food industry to green energy and aeronautics, but are limited in terms of resolution and material selection.

This project will develop high precision printing technology for healthcare, providing advantages in terms of freedom of design, multiple material utilization, and new functions. In this project, high-resolution fibrous 3D-printed microstructures possessing intrinsic material behaviour with spatial design will be developed to overcome current challenges with 3D printing.

The aim is to develop printable, highly-tunable and fully-functional structures based on the micro/nano scales. New design of printing nozzles will be investigated to study advanced exquisite 3D printing with multi-materials and will lead to cutting edge applications in the biomedical remit. Material properties and related manufacturing technologies for high resolution production of new devices will be assessed. Additionally, modelling of pivotal production steps and their potential in biomedical applications will be investigated.

Key control parameters for optimization (deposition and integrity) including parameter-structure (e.g. collector speed, flow rate, working distance and applied voltage) and impact analysis will be studied. Such new engineering methods will enable new designs for micro-scaled, multi-layered materials with simultaneous encapsulation of ideal component in the form of molecules, sensing agents or even living cells.

Finally, the functions of printed devices with varied fibre resolution, heterogeneity, topography, and functions will be characterised using state of the art physical, chemical, and biological methods/ equipment, leading to a combination of different functionalities in the resultant products.

This successful applicant will develop new precision 3D printing facilities and technologies. In addition, this project will provide the successful applicant with comprehensive experience in design, analysis, fabrication, and characterisation of advanced materials.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Mechanical/ Material/ Biomedical/ Physics or Chemical Engineering or closely related field. The successful applicant will be expected to collaborate with other academics nationally and internationally.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

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 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• 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. Further information on cost of living