E-Textile Technology

The University of Southampton is offering a fully funded PhD studentship focused on developing a smart, sustainable e-textile fitness and wellbeing monitoring system. The project is part of the H2024 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (FERNS), which aims to train researchers in eco-friendly design and fabrication technologies for sustainable electronics. The successful candidate will join the Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles (C-FLEET) and work on integrating multiple sensor inputs, including enzymatic electrochemical lactate sensors, ECG electrodes, and capaciflector breathing rate sensors, into a wearable chest band. The research emphasizes the use of sustainable, biocompatible, and biodegradable materials, with a focus on end-of-life processing and waste separation. The project includes collaboration with FERNS partners across Europe and offers opportunities for extended study periods at partner laboratories. Applicants must hold a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in electronic or electrical engineering, meet Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility criteria, and be able to start by March 2026. The studentship covers tuition and provides a stipend, with additional training in communication, data management, project organization, and entrepreneurship. The University of Southampton is committed to equality, diversity, and sustainability, offering a supportive environment for all students. Application requires a research proposal, CV, academic references, transcripts, and English language qualification if applicable. For more information, contact the doctoral college or Professor Steve Beeby.