Fully Funded PhD Position in Biomechanics—Surface Wave Propagation in Tissue for Predicting Ski[...]

PhDFinder; Emfuleni Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 355,000 - 533,000; Full time

Job summary

A fully funded PhD position at University College Dublin focuses on innovative biomedical engineering research aimed at enhancing breast reconstruction surgery outcomes. The role involves developing acoustoelastic methods for assessing tissue properties, contributing significantly to medical device innovation and patient care improvement.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a strong background in biomechanics and experimental design.
• Experience in medical device development is a plus.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and validate a piezoelectric device for tissue analysis.
• Work collaboratively within a research team under Professor Aisling Ní Annaidh.
• Utilize advanced equipment to study tissue responses.

Skills

Biomechanics

Experimental design

Medical device development

Dynamics

Collaboration

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s Degree in Electronic Engineering

Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering

Job description

University: University College Dublin

Country: Ireland

Deadline: 2025-08-04

Fields: Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, Medical Device Development

Are you passionate about advancing medical technology to directly improve patient outcomes in breast reconstruction surgery? If you are driven to apply your engineering skills to real-world healthcare challenges, this fully funded PhD position at University College Dublin may be the perfect opportunity to shape the future of reconstructive medicine.

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer worldwide, impacting 13% of women during their lifetime. For many women who undergo mastectomy, breast reconstruction is a vital part of their recovery and quality of life. Despite its importance, current two-stage implant-based reconstruction methods are often sub-optimal, with high complication rates and unsatisfactory patient experiences. A critical challenge in this field is the lack of effective, non-invasive techniques to evaluate and predict tissue growth during reconstruction, which hampers surgical planning and patient outcomes.

This PhD opportunity is part of BreastRecon, a prestigious European Research Council-funded project, focused on developing innovative acoustoelastic methods to non-invasively determine key biomechanical parameters of skin tissue. By joining this project, you will play a crucial role in pioneering research with significant societal and clinical impact.

About The University Or Research Institute

University College Dublin (UCD) is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities, located in the vibrant city of Dublin, Ireland. UCD is renowned for its cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and commitment to fostering innovation in science and engineering. The School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at UCD is home to world-class faculty and research groups, including the Tissue Biomechanics group led by Professor Aisling Ní Annaidh. UCD offers a dynamic academic environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and structured doctoral training programs, making it an ideal setting for aspiring researchers in biomechanics and medical device development.

Research Topic and Significance

The core research focus of this PhD position is to measure surface wave propagation in tissue as a means to predict skin growth. This is particularly relevant for improving outcomes in breast reconstruction surgery following mastectomy. Traditional two-stage implant-based reconstructions rely on tissue expanders to stimulate new skin growth, but complications and unpredictable results remain common due to a limited understanding of the underlying biomechanical processes.

The BreastRecon project aims to address these gaps by developing a novel acoustoelastic technique that can non-invasively assess tissue properties in vivo. This approach holds the potential to revolutionize surgical planning, reduce complication rates, and enhance patient satisfaction by enabling more accurate predictions of tissue growth and behavior.

Project Details

The successful candidate will join a collaborative research team working on the BreastRecon project, funded by a European Research Council Consolidator Grant. The primary responsibility will be to design, optimize, and validate a piezoelectric device capable of reliably generating and detecting surface waves on skin tissue. This work will involve the use of advanced vibrometer equipment to analyze tissue responses under controlled conditions.

The research team consists of three PhD students and three postdoctoral researchers, all working closely under the leadership of Professor Aisling Ní Annaidh, a leading expert in tissue biomechanics and Director of Research at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. Professor Ní Annaidh is also a funded investigator in two Science Foundation Ireland Centres (I-FORM and the Research Training Centre in Foundations of Data Science) and a Fellow of the Charles Institute of Dermatology. The successful candidate will benefit from close mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a supportive research environment.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications

This position is ideally suited for candidates with a strong background and keen interest in biomechanics, experimental design, and medical device development. The following qualifications and skills are required or desirable:

– Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field.

– Experience in experimental design and/or electronic device design.

– Experience in dynamics and a demonstrated interest in medical device development (desirable).

– Strong ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

– Enthusiasm for research at the intersection of engineering and medicine.

– Excellent communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

Application Process

To apply for this fully funded PhD position, please submit the following documents as a single PDF file using the provided Google form: https://forms.gle/yatpwF4Af56arMTf7

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the project and relevant experience.
• A detailed CV (including publications if applicable).
• Names and contact details of two academic referees.
  
  

Application Deadline: 4th August 2025

Preferred Start Date: Autumn 2025

Conclusion

This is a unique opportunity for motivated graduates to contribute to transformative research in biomechanics and medical device innovation, with direct implications for improving patient care in breast reconstruction. If you are eager to advance your academic career in a world-class research environment, we encourage you to apply before the deadline and take the next step in shaping the future of medical technology. For more exciting opportunities in your field, explore similar positions below.

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