[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided. Funded by EPSRC.] PhD Studentship in Bio-Electronics – Localising Invisible Breast Cancers During Surgery Newcastle University invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship in bio-electronics, focusing on the development of novel micro-electronic tags to improve the localisation of invisible breast cancers during surgery. This project is sponsored by the EPSRC and offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of electronic engineering, biomedical research, and clinical application. Project Overview: Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy in the UK, with over 55,000 new diagnoses annually. Surgical intervention is the primary treatment, but accurate localisation of cancerous tissue is critical for successful outcomes. Current wireless localisation devices, such as RFID tags, face challenges due to their size and delivery methods. This PhD project aims to design and fabricate innovative, miniaturised electronic tags that can be more easily delivered and accurately guide surgeons during excision procedures. Research Activities: The successful candidate will engage in device design and fabrication within state-of-the-art engineering cleanrooms, conduct in vitro testing, and collaborate closely with consultant radiologists and surgeons from the Gateshead Breast Unit to assess device performance and clinical safety. The project will provide hands-on experience in microfabrication, electromagnetism, PCB design, and biomedical device testing. Supervision and Support: The project will be supervised by Dr Mathew Barraclough, Prof Anthony O’Neill, and Dr Simon Lowes, who bring expertise in electronic engineering, device fabrication, and clinical translation. The research environment at Newcastle University offers access to advanced facilities and a vibrant interdisciplinary community. Funding: The studentship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. Eligibility: Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in electronic engineering, physics, or a related discipline. Strong practical skills, enthusiasm for biomedical research, and the ability to work independently are essential. Experience with electromagnetism, COMSOL, microfabrication, and PCB design is desirable but not required. Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills are also required. International applicants must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills) and may need an ATAS certificate. Application Process: Applications should be submitted via the Newcastle University funding portal. Please prepare your academic transcripts, CV, and a personal statement outlining your suitability for the project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, contact the supervisors to discuss possible exemptions. Deadline: 18 February 2025. The studentship is expected to start on 1 October 2026 and will last for four years. For further details and to apply, visit the official funding page.

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided.] PhD Studentship in Bio-Electronics – Localising Invisible Breast Cancers During Surgery at Newcastle University offers a unique opportunity for a highly motivated candidate to contribute to the development of novel micro-electronic tags for accurate excision of breast cancer. This fully funded studentship covers 100% tuition fees and provides a generous tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported by EPSRC. The research project addresses a critical challenge in breast cancer surgery: the localisation of invisible tumours. Current clinical practice involves the insertion of RFID or magnetic seed devices into tumours to guide surgeons during excision. However, the size and delivery of existing RFID tags present difficulties for both clinicians and patients. This PhD project aims to design and fabricate innovative, miniaturised wireless localisation devices using advanced microfabrication techniques, with in vitro testing and close collaboration with consultant radiologists and surgeons from the Gateshead Breast Unit to ensure clinical safety and performance. As a student, you will work within engineering cleanrooms, gaining hands-on experience in device design, fabrication, and testing. The project is interdisciplinary, combining elements of biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, and medical science. You will be supported by a supervisory team including Dr. Mathew Barraclough, Prof. Anthony O’Neill, and Dr. Simon Lowes, who bring expertise in device engineering and clinical translation. Eligibility highlights: Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in electronic engineering, physics, or a related discipline. Strong practical skills, enthusiasm for biomedical research, and the ability to work independently are essential. Experience with electromagnetism, COMSOL, microfabrication, and PCB design is desirable but not required. Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills are mandatory. A Masters qualification is not required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can demonstrate equivalent experience. Non-native English speakers must provide an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may need ATAS clearance for visa purposes. Application window: The studentship is open for applications until 18 February 2026, with a start date of 1 October 2026. Only one award is available. How to apply: Interested candidates should click the 'Apply' button on the official Newcastle University funding page. Prepare your academic transcripts, CV, and evidence of English language proficiency if applicable. If you have alternative qualifications or require an exemption, contact the supervisors for guidance. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before submitting your application. This is an excellent opportunity to join a cutting-edge research project at Newcastle University, contribute to impactful biomedical innovation, and develop advanced skills in device engineering and clinical research.

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of novel bio-electronic devices for the localisation of invisible breast cancers during surgery. The project addresses a critical challenge in breast cancer treatment, where accurate identification and excision of cancerous tissue are essential for patient outcomes. Current localisation devices, such as RFID tags and magnetic seeds, present limitations in size and delivery, motivating the need for innovative micro-electronic solutions. The research will focus on designing and fabricating micro-electronic tags within engineering cleanrooms, followed by in vitro testing and close collaboration with consultant radiologists and surgeons from the Gateshead Breast unit. The aim is to assess device performance and ensure clinical safety, ultimately improving surgical precision and patient care. The project is sponsored by EPSRC and will be supervised by Dr Mathew Barraclough, Prof Anthony O’Neill, and Dr Simon Lowes, who bring expertise in electronic engineering, medical device development, and clinical translation. Successful candidates should have a strong background in electronic engineering, physics, or a related discipline, with practical skills and a keen interest in biomedical research. Experience in electromagnetism, COMSOL simulation, microfabrication, and PCB design is advantageous but not mandatory. The admissions process is contextual, valuing prior experience, enthusiasm, and independent thinking alongside academic qualifications. A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent is required, and applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may need an ATAS clearance certificate. The studentship covers 100% tuition fees and provides a tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. The award duration is four years, starting on 1st October 2026. This opportunity is ideal for motivated individuals seeking to advance their skills in bio-electronics and medical device innovation within a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. To apply, visit the Newcastle University funding page and click the 'Apply' button. Prepare your academic transcripts, CV, and evidence of English language proficiency if applicable. Candidates with alternative qualifications or relevant experience are encouraged to contact the supervisors to discuss possible flexibilities and exemptions. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and submit your application by 18 February 2026.