PhD Studentship in Bio-tribology

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of bio-tribology, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK/EU student rate) provided by an EPSRC project grant.

Total hip or knee replacement is a well-established treatment for end stage arthritis. At present over 130,000 primary hip and knee joint replacement operations per year take place in the UK alone. The outcome of joint replacement is usually very good however wear of the joint surfaces is a continuing problem as this often limits the life of the prosthesis and reduces patient mobility. Surface damage of artificial joints is controlled by the properties of the synovial fluid lubricating film which is formed between the bearing surfaces. The project is an experimental study of the effect of synovial fluid composition on lubrication of artificial joints. Knowledge from this study will contribute to improved design of artificial joints and optimisation of surface properties.

The studentship is for three years from March 2010 and is available for UK and EU candidates meeting the Research Council criterion of having been resident in the UK for the previous three years, but other sources of funding might be available for highly qualified students.

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a background in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. Training will be given in tribology and investigative techniques including fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy, electron microscopy and surface topography. You will become a skilled communicator, comfortable in an international situation.  Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.

To find out more about research at Imperial in this area, go to this link:http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/mechanicalengineering

For information on how to apply please go to this link: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/mechanicalengineering/research/phdopportunities/.

For further details of the post contact Dr Janet Wong j.wong@imperial.ac.uk. Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Dr Wong on the above e-mail address.  Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

Closing date: 31st March 2010

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