Connected Field Lab – Integrating Data with Diagnostic Testing at the Front Line’

Project title: Connected Field Lab – Integrating Data with Diagnostic Testing at the Front Line  

Supervisory Team: Dr Al Edwards

Project description:

This project combines global health and national security, by combining miniaturised medical diagnostic testing with health data science to develop a smart mobile lab that can be deployed anywhere to support field medicine. Mobile, secure lab testing is vital for public health from outbreaks (e.g. Ebola, covid-19), to field medicine in conflict areas.

Rapid portable diagnostics (e.g. lateral flow tests) are vital for urgent medical decisions. Digital health systems can integrate multiple factors –patient background with test results and clinical observations. In a defence setting, field deployment of diagnostic testing capability is critical to support not only military operations, but also support civilians in conflict areas, plus surveillance and intelligence, detecting infection outbreaks plus biological or chemical warfare agents.

Suiting students from a wide range of backgrounds (bioscience to data or engineering), the project will build expertise across multiple fields vital to global public health and security. Combining portable diagnostic tests with the latest health data science will give deep understanding of medical and defence data systems. Alongside, a fully functional prototype “field lab” will be developed – comprising a mobile suite of miniaturised biomedical tests – giving hands-on experience of current and future rapid diagnostic tests, including bioassay and microfluidics development.

Funding for this project is offered by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS), which will recruit motivated and inquisitive candidates across the themes of Digital, Physical and Biological systems to provide a diverse and interconnected cohort training environment. As well as carrying out research training in a world-leading research group, membership of CISDnS will provide the opportunity for you to be exposed and trained to handle the interdisciplinary challenges faced in the real-world via a Systems Thinking approach. You will learn about the wider challenges of research and innovation within the Defence & Security sector from both your peers and the numerous industry partners supporting the Centre.

This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants. The project is suitable for applicants with any prerequisites. We welcome applicants onto the CDT from underrepresented groups.

To discuss aspect related to the CISDnS CDT please contact the directorate, Email cisdns@soton.ac.uk      

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 30 June 2024.  Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: Full-time studentships will cover UK course fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £23,500 per year for 4 years along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities. A number of studentships are available and will be awarded on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply early for the best opportunity to be considered

How To Apply

Apply online:  HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “ Integrated PhD in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security (2024-25) (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Al Edwards

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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