About this role
About the role:
This EPSRC-funded project aims to transform early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers through the development of advanced flexible endoscopic technologies. The project will combine a soft robotic endoscope with a miniature surgical-laser probe and a high-performance tissue-analysis device. In this role, you will contribute to the design and optimisation of the soft robotic endoscope by applying advanced mechanical testing and modelling methods, with a particular focus on developing functional materials for actuation, sensing, and friction control.
What you would be doing:
Conduct research in mechanical and biomedical engineering, multiphysics modelling, and soft matter mechanics. Lead elements of project management and/or supervise multidisciplinary research teams. Characterise the multiphysics properties of functional hydrogels and develop computational models to predict and enhance the performance of hydrogel-based materials for integration within the soft robotic endoscope. Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of experimental and modelling outcomes and prepare technical reports for project sponsors. Produce high-quality publications and contribute to the preparation of research funding proposals. Provide supervision and guidance to undergraduate and postgraduate research students as required.
What we are looking for:
You must hold or be close to completing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Materials, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience. You must have strong research experience in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, biomechanics, multiscale and multiphysics modelling, and biophysical experiments. Having working experiences with the sponsors, clinicians, patients, academic and industrial partners is essential. Knowledge of fluid and solid mechanics, transport mechanisms, soft tissues and soft functional materials is essential. You must have knowledge of theory and computation, as well as numerical methods, related to the modelling of fluid flow in soft porous media. A good publishing track record in relevant and refereed journals is essential.
What we can offer you:
The opportunity to work in a vibrant and highly multidisciplinary group and work with world-leading scientists and engineers The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 38 days off a year)