About this role
We invite applications for an exciting, fully funded PhD studentship at the interface of textile engineering, electronics, and wearable health technologies. This collaborative project between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh aims to develop a new generation of biosensing textiles for real-time physiological monitoring.
Location: School of Textiles and Design, Heriot-Watt University (with access to facilities at the University of Edinburgh) Mode: Full-time Duration: 3.5 years (42 months) Eligible Applicants: UK home students only (EU applicants must hold settled/pre-settled status or indefinite leave to remain and meet residency requirements) Supervisory Team: Professor Danmei Sun at Heriot-Watt University, and Dr Stewart Smith at University of Edinburgh Current wearable systems still rely on rigid or semi-rigid electronic components attached to the wearer using straps, causing inconsistent skin contact, motion artefacts, discomfort, and noise issues, affecting measurement accuracy especially during intense activity or in a demanding environment.
Although e-textiles have advanced in recent years, there is a lack of fully integrated fibre-based sensing systems with stable, low-noise skin interfaces and high durability. Embedding sensing functions directly at fibre and yarn level offers a transformative approach, enabling soft, compliant, second-skin garments that adapt to body movement.
As demand grows for continuous health monitoring, particularly for high-risk professionals like firefighters and for independently living older adults [3], second-skin textiles are being paid high attention, but challenges remain in ensuring electrical stability, washability, and reliable real-time signals. By combining textile engineering with electronics, this project aims to develop improved textile–skin contact mechanisms with integrated flexible sensors. It will advance fundamental understanding at the fibre, yarn, and fabric levels and position us as leaders in smart textiles and wearable health technologies.
The student will benefit from state-of-the-art textile manufacturing and testing facilities at Heriot-Watt University, alongside biomedical sensing expertise at the University of Edinburgh, supported by industrial and clinical collaborators.
Further information
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send the following documents by email to Professor Danmei Sun ([email protected]) or Dr. Stewart Smith ([email protected]).
Curriculum Vitae (CV) A one-page cover Letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience Applications close on 16th January 2026. Early expressions of interest are highly encouraged.
www.hw.ac.uk/profiles/uk/school/tex/faculty/danmei-sun
eng.ed.ac.uk/about/people/dr-stewart-smith
Closing date: Fri, 16/01/2026 - 17:00