Managing traumatic wounds in zero gravity.

Invitation:

Applications are now invited for a fully funded, multidisciplinary, PhD position in applied microgravity biomedicine and engineering at the University of Auckland. This project aims to develop a new technology for assisting wound care management in microgravity and long duration spaceflight.

Scope:

As the specter of sustained living and traveling in microgravity (space) becomes the reality, we need to be prepared for managing accidents and trauma in this unusual living environment. This is a Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Smart Ideas funded PhD position for an engineering project with a direct medical application component. It would suit a strongly motivated candidate with an interest in applying engineering solutions to biomedical, microgravity and space travel problems.  The project is directed at developing a new solution for wound care management during long duration spaceflight. The candidate will be expected to research, extend and refine an early concept design before proceeding to build and test a definitive fully functional working solution.

The project will be a good fit for someone with an engineering background and an interest in space exploration and/or medical biotechnology. Detailed medical/biological knowledge is not required but is of course an advantage. The engineering aspects will require application of skills developed during standard undergraduate courses in the bioengineering, mechatronics and mechanical engineering disciplines. We welcome applications from these but also other related discipline areas.

The successful candidate for this multidisciplinary project will work at the University of Auckland in both the Auckland Institute of Bioengineering (ABI) and School of Biological Sciences within the Faculty of Science. The project is under the supervision of Prof. Anthony Phillips (Translational Surgical Research Scieince), Prof Poul Nielsen (Bioengineer; ABI), with active mentorship by Prof John Windsor (Academic Surgeon), and Dr Lisa Brown (Aerospace Surgeon).

Project:

·      Take an existing concept direction to confirm, extend and refine its design.

·      Develop appropriate testing wound phantoms for evaluating the technology.

·      Develop the design of the device.

·      Fabricate the prototype device to test and refine it.

·      Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, engineers and scientists

Qualifications:

·      A strong Bachelor with Honors, or Masters degree.

·      Check your eligibility to take a PhD at The University of Auckland at https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/applications-and-admissions/entry-requirements/postgraduate-entry-requirements/doctoral-entry-requirements.html

·      It is expected the most relevant background disciplines are bioengineering and mechatronics, although mechanical engineers and other non-engineering disciplines are welcome to apply if you think you have relevant skills.

·      Some working familiarity with Fusion or CAD is a requirement.

·      Basic skills in software programming and simple electronics are an advantage

·      A basic understanding of biological principles is an advantage.

·      Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken is a requirement.

Scholarship: The successful candidate will be eligible to receive a full funded PhD scholarship for a period of three years (Tuition fees and stipend).

Start Date: ASAP

Application

Applications can be sent directly to the listed supervisor (Professor Anthony Phillips; a.phillips@auckland.ac.nz)

Expressions of interest should include: i) an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, including summary of your academic record (or just attach academic record transcript); ii) a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the position.

Deadline

None. Once a suitable candidate is found an appointment will be made.