PhD Studentship: Bioresorbable Intestinal Devices with Embedded Resorbable Sensors for Gastrointestinal Monitoring
Overview
The Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering at the University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded EPSRC PhD studentship on bioresorbable intestinal devices with embedded resorbable sensors for gastrointestinal monitoring. Swallowable sensors are limited by how long they stay in place. A capsule passes through the gut within a day or two, so it can only take a snapshot, whereas conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease need tracking over weeks without the risk of obstruction. Longer-lasting devices exist, but a structure built to resist peristalsis can also block the bowel.
This project will create an orally delivered, bioresorbable retentive structure that combines embedded systems on flexible printed circuitry with custom microfabricated bioresorbable sensors, and will test the device in a simulated intestinal environment. The device has three separate lifetimes, for its structure, its sensors and its retention, and understanding and sequencing them is crucial. The student will gain experience in cleanroom microfabrication, thin-film patterning, sensor design and calibration, finite element modelling, polymer processing, embedded electronics and ex vivo tissue methods, supported by the university's Healthcare Technologies Institute, its Precision Healthcare Technology Accelerator and a Medical Engineering research group with links to medical device companies.
Who can apply
The department seeks highly motivated students graduating with a first-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical or materials engineering, applied physics or a closely related subject, who enjoy building things and will work across mechanics, materials and electronics. Experience with microfabrication, finite element analysis, embedded systems or thin-film processing is welcome but not required. Home fee status applies to UK citizens, citizens of the Republic of Ireland and EU citizens with settled status in the UK. International applicants are also eligible, but EPSRC limits the share of international students in each cohort, so places are restricted and funding is competitive.
What you get
The studentship covers tuition fees at the UK rate and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum, £21,805 per year for 2026/27, for 3.5 years, plus a research training support grant for consumables and conference travel.
How to apply
Informal enquiries are welcome. Candidates should contact Dr Gerard Cummins with a CV and a short note on why the project interests them.
Key dates
The closing date is 7 January 2027.