FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYSCHOOL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERINGDirector of Studies: Dr Huirong Le, School of Marine Science and Engineering (email: huirong.le@plymouth.ac.uk; tel.: +441752 586172)2nd Supervisor: Prof Richard Handy, School of Biomedical and Biological Sciences (email: r.handy@plymouth.ac.uk; tel: +441752 584630)3rd Supervisor: Prof Christopher Tredwin, Peninsular Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (email: christopher.tredwin@pcmd.ac.uk; tel: +441752 437401)Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on October 1st 2013.Project DescriptionTitanium alloy is still the main material used in bone fixation, dental implants and bone replacement in the foreseen future. Surface modification of titanium alloys has led to significant advances in dental implant, artificial hip joint technologies in recent years.A more recent advance related to titanium is the discovery of titanium oxide nanotubes on titanium surface in anodizing process. However there is lack of understanding about how the growth of titanium nanotubes is going to affect the surface and mechanical integrity of the implants, or subsequent biocompatibility with natural bone or soft tissues. There is also concern whether toxins can be accumulated in these hollow nanotubes to cause significant side effects.This project is a joint effort between Faculty of Science and Technology and Peninsular Schools of Medicine and Dentistry aimed to investigate the implications of anodised titanium oxide coatings on the mechanical integrity and the biocompatibility of medical implants. The project will involve optimisation of titanium anodising process, nanostructure and mechanical characterisation, biotoxicology and biocompatibility studies of the anodised material.The successful candidate will benefit from extensive training in techniques including electrochemistry, micro/nanostructure characterisation, mechanical testing and biochemical assays. The research will be conducted in state-of-the–art laboratories within the faculty of Science and Technology and Peninsular Schools of Medicine and Dentistry.EligibilityApplicants should have a minimum of a first or upper second class bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or materials science. Applications from candidates with a relevant Masters qualification will be welcomed. Knowledge and research experience in biomaterial and biointeractions will be desirable.FundingThe studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £13,726 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference between the Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £9,790 per annum).ApplicationFor further information on the project or for an informal discussion, please contact Dr Huirong Le at: huirong.le@plymouth.ac.ukFor an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduate. Applicants should send a completed application form along with a covering letter detailing their suitability for the studentship, C.V., and 2 references to Francesca Niedzielski, Faculty of Science and Technology Research Office, Room A425, Portland Square, Plymouth PL4 8AA or e-mail francesca.niedzielski@plymouth.ac.uk.Closing date for applications: 12 noon on the 17th June 2013.Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview in last week of June or first week of July. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by 30 June 2013 should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
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