PhD Research Studentships

Haptic sensing for cancer diagnosis during minimally invasive surgery

Supervisors: Kaspar ALTHOEFER and Abu Bakar DAWOOD
Apply by:29 January 2025
Start in:September (Semester 1)

Description

We are thrilled to announce a CSC PhD position focused on designing a sensorized probe and haptic sensor system to enhance minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures. This project will leverage advanced soft robotics and optical sensing technology to provide surgeons with precise tactile feedback on tissue properties, aiming to improve surgical accuracy and patient outcomes.

The PhD candidate will contribute to developing a high-resolution, pneumatically controlled probe integrated with membrane-based tactile sensors capable of detecting tissue stiffness and curvature. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work within the EU project PALPABLE (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101092518), advancing a new class of tactile tools that enable a “sense of touch” in MIS applications.

Details of Supervision

The candidate will be supervised by a team of leading researchers in robotics, and soft sensing from Queen Mary University of London and collaborating institutions across Europe. This team brings expertise in MIS, soft robotics, and optical sensing, ensuring a supportive and dynamic environment for the candidate’s development.

Required Skills

We seek a motivated individual with a strong background in robotics, biomedical engineering, or related fields. Ideal candidates will have:

  • A Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in robotics, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Experience with CAD and 3D printing is a must, silicone moulding and FEA modelling, are desirable
  • Strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages for data analysis and control systems.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
  • A strong interest in medical technology and a commitment to advancing the current state of the art will be essential qualities.

Funding

Funded by: China Scholarship Council
Candidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Kaspar ALTHOEFER or Abu Bakar DAWOOD.

Apply

Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Mechanical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-643" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Related website:https://www.seresearch.qmul.ac.uk/robotics/
Keywords:Robotics