RF in Experimental fluid mechanics for dental applications

About us

UCL Mechanical Engineering is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher for 12 months to investigate ultrasound induced flows and transport phenomena in confined dental model geometries using laser based diagnostics. The post is funded by the EPSRC Healthcare Technologies project SONATA, a multidisciplinary collaboration between the University of Birmingham (Dentistry, Chemistry) and UCL Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical) aiming to develop novel antimicrobial particles for ultrasound -controlled release and treatment of dental biofilms.

About the role

The research aims to provide a physics -based approach to the design of these targeted drug delivery systems by characterising the flows generated by ultrasound in fluidic systems mimicking dentine tubules or root canals in the presence and absence of biofilm. It will combine microfluidics and laser- based diagnostic techniques to quantify the velocity field in ultrasound generated flows in various dental models, and their impact on drug release and biofilm disruption. This knowledge will then help to optimise the drug delivery platform. The role thus entails the microfabrication of dentine and tooth models for flow imaging, development of experimental set ups for the study of ultrasound induced flows in dental models, and application of laser based diagnostics to probe the flow fields and scalar transport therein. The candidate will work in the experimental fluid mechanics group FluME, led by Prof. Stavroula Balabani in UCL Mechanical Engineering and collaborate closely with the multiphase flow group ThAMeS led by Prof Angeli in UCL Chemical Engineering, as well as project partners from the University of Birmingham and BAM (Germany’s Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing).

About you

We are looking for an experienced fluid mechanician with established skills in experimental fluid mechanics, and in particular laser based flow diagnostics, and their application to complex flows, and with a proven ability to: -conduct world class research in experimental fluid mechanics, particularly ultrasound induced flows in confined spaces, and demonstrated through publication of high quality papers and conference presentations -work constructively as part of a dynamic team with cross-cutting expertise, take proactive initiatives and engage in developing new research directions, including showing willingness to learn new topics on the job. -nurture the collaboration and take a lead role in information exchange with project partners and other activities, including dissemination and outreach.

What we offer

For information about our rewards and benefits please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits. You will be part of a world-class fluid mechanics team and be exposed to a number of fluids projects on healthcare, energy and manufacturing applications as well as a vibrant community of researchers in the WEISS centre and the UCL Institute of Healthcare Engineering (IHE).

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people and LGBTQI+ people.

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