PhD Studentship: Biodegradable and biocompatible materials for bioelectronics

The need for biocompatible scaffolds that can be integrated into the body to support therapeutic applications requires a number of factors to work in concert. Material must be biocompatible and preferably biodegradable on time scales commensurate with the application (i.e. the time during which they are required), it must mechanically adapt to surrounding tissue (i.e, have an appropriate elastic modulus), and there must be the ability to chemically attach organic electronic components that relay information. This project is a continuation of ongoing work in developing materials for bioelectronic applications in collaboration with colleagues in Cambridge and Italy. A PhD student working on this project will need to learn basic materials technologies for characterising materials, and also the functioning of organic electronic devices as well as understanding relevant physiological questions.

Science Graduate School:

As a PhD student in one of the science departments at the University of Sheffield, you’ll be part of the Science Graduate School – a community of postgraduate researchers working across biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and psychology. You’ll get access to training opportunities designed to support your career development by helping you gain professional skills that are essential in all areas of science. You’ll be able to learn how to recognise good research and research behaviour, improve your communication abilities and experience technologies that are used in academia, industry and many related careers. Visit http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/sgs to learn more.