Aston University - School of Engineering and Applied Science
(3 years)
Ref no. R090328
Applications are invited for a three year PhD studentship, supported by the School of Engineering and Applied Science of Aston University to be undertaken within the Biomedical Engineering Research Group http://www1.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/biomedical/ at Aston University. The successful applicant will join an established experimental and modelling group working on biomedical research. The position is available to start in 2010 (subject to negotiation)
Financial Support
Will be provided to the successful applicant to cover the Home/EU fees rate plus a maintenance grant of £13,290. Applicants from outside the EU may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home/EU' and the ‘Overseas' tuition fees, currently this is £8,270.
Background of the Project
Atherosclerosis is a widespread arterial disease that can lead to heart attack or stroke. For the carotid artery, the most common treatment is surgery to remove the plaque. Currently, the decision to perform surgery is based primarily on the degree of blockage in the artery. In the case of relatively severe blockage of the carotid artery, surgery provides an improved outcome for only a minority of patients, and there is no clear guidance for patients with moderate blockage. Finite element modelling has been demonstrated for atherosclerotic plaque, but the accuracy is uncertain, because tissue properties vary between patients by more than a factor of two. Since there is a nonlinear relation between plaque geometry, tissue properties and stress, correct tissue properties are critical for accurate determination of plaque stability. This project would involve using medical CT or MR images to construct solid models of arterial plaque, determine the patient specific material properties and finally the stability of the plaque.
Person Specification
The successful applicant should have a first class or upper second class honours degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related subject or hold an MSc in a relevant discipline. Preferred skill requirements include knowledge/experience of materials modelling, testing or analysis of soft materials and finite element analysis. For informal enquiries about this and other opportunities within the Biomedical Engineering Research Group, contact Dr. Greg Swadener by email j.g.swadener@aston.ac.uk
Application forms, reference forms and details of entry requirements, including English language are available at http://www.seas.aston.ac.uk/admissions/research/
Please send your completed application form with at least two academic references and a full CV by email to j.g.swadener@aston.ac.uk or by post to: Dr. Greg Swadener, Mechanical Engineering and Design Department Aston Triangle, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, United KingdomT: 0121-204-3536 (direct)
Closing Date: 7 December 2009
