PhD Studentship in Integration and Testing of a Cochlear Implant Insertion Robot

Summary

A PhD studentship is funded by RNID (https://rnid.org.uk/ ), to develop a surgical robot for Cochlear Implantation, under the supervision by Dr Xinli Du and Dr Mingfeng Wang.

Cochlear implant (CI) for the treatment of profound sensorineural hearing loss requires insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. The scala tympani is the preferred chamber for insertion and is achieved through a manual micro-surgical process. There are two concerns with this approach:

The level of trauma induced.

precision to which the electrode is placed within the cochlea.

The aim of this research is to integrate novel sensing and robotics technologies to place the electrode array at an optimal position and reduce the disturbance and the damage within the cochlear during the insertion process. This study will underpin the development of the treatment of severe to profound hearing loss by maximize the performance of CI and minimize the trauma of the surgery.

The funded studentship is £65,859 for up to 3 years duration, which includes home students’ tuition fees and stipend.

Enquiries should be directed to Dr Xinli Du at [email protected]

Eligibility

This scholarship is available for both Home and International students. International applications are welcome only in the case when the applicant can support (self-fund) the difference between international and home student tuition fees.

Note that applications from ineligible candidates will not be considered or responded to.

You should have or expect to receive by the beginning of this PhD study a first degree (BSc) at 2:1 or above in a suitable engineering and science discipline, e.g. materials science, mechanical engineering, physics or applied mathematics. A MSc level qualification is desirable.

A strong background in materials science or applied mathematics is desirable as the project includes mathematical modelling and optimisation.

How to Apply

Please email the following to [email protected]  AND [email protected]  by the 31st  of Oct 2023:

• Your up-to-date CV.
• Your single A4 statement on why would you like to do this project and why do you believe you qualify to do so.
• Copies of your degree(s) certificates(s) and transcripts.
• Names and contact info of two academic referees.