[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.