PhD Studentship: Next-generation biodegradable microneedle electrodes for continuous heart monitoring

Next-generation Biodegradable Microneedle Electrodes for Continuous Heart Monitoring

DoS: Dr Alexander Besinis (alexander.besinis@plymouth.ac.uk)
2nd Supervisor: Dr Om Prakash Singh (omprakash.singh@plymouth.ac.uk)
3rd Supervisor: Prof Mona Nasser (mona.nasser@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1st October 2026.

Project Description

This exciting PhD project offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of biomedical engineering, developing the next-generation technologies to revolutionise long-term heart monitoring. You will contribute to cutting-edge research on advanced electrode systems designed to overcome key limitations of current ECG technologies. Current ECG electrodes often lose signal quality over time, cause skin irritation, and contribute significantly to healthcare costs and environmental waste. The NHS alone uses over 152 million electrodes annually, costing tens of millions of pounds.

You will focus on designing and fabricating microneedle electrodes for reliable, long-term ECG monitoring. These devices will use advanced biodegradable materials to deliver stable signal recording while improving comfort and skin compatibility. Importantly, they will safely degrade after use, reducing medical waste.

This interdisciplinary PhD is ideal for candidates interested in biomedical engineering, materials science, or electronics, and offers hands-on experience in medical device design, fabrication, and in-vivo evaluation contributing to research with real-world clinical and environmental impact.

You will join a vibrant and supportive research environment, working alongside highly experienced academics. The project provides access to world-class laboratory facilities specialising in Materials Analysis and Characterisation, and Nanomaterials and Devices. The successful candidate will receive full training through the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and the Centre for Health Technology. You will also have the opportunity to engage with leading industry partners in wearable medical devices such as SONA, gaining insight into commercial healthcare technologies. Overall, this PhD provides an exceptional platform to develop both academic expertise and industry-relevant skills.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree in an appropriate subject (e.g., Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics/Medical Physics, Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Data Science/Signal Processing, Biomedical Science, Biological/Human/Life Sciences, etc.) and preferably a relevant Masters qualification. Applications from both UK and overseas students are welcome.

The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home tuition fees, Bench fee plus a Stipend of £21,805 per annum 2026/27 rate. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. The international component of the fee may be waived for outstanding international applicants.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Alexander Besinis alexander.besinis@plymouth.ac.uk or Dr Om Prakash Singh omprakash.singh@plymouth.ac.uk.

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 24 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly thereafter. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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