Research Associate/Fellow in Photonics & Sensing in Healthcare (Biosensor Development) (Fixed-term) (ENG268718)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Engineer to design and develop innovative sensors for in-situ measurements of wound healing. There are 2 posts associated with this project and this one is focused on the production of sensitive, specific, reliable and robust coatings on optical fibres. 

Candidates should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Electrical & Electronics Engineering or a related subject. 

Essential knowledge and experience required:

Fibre optics sensors in the field of applied optics Functional coatings on the surface of optical fibresKnowledge of optical fibre chemical and physical sensors, optoelectronics and systems designsData capture, recording of data and report writing to a professional standard

The successful candidate must possess:

The ability to lead and also work as part of a teamEnthusiasm, motivation and drive to embed new knowledge and to take full ownership of the project Excellent interpersonal skills

The Optics and Photonics Research Group is one of the largest research groups in the Faculty of Engineering with 16 academics and three Research Council funded Fellows. We pride ourselves on being able to work on ideas from the basic science right through to application in advanced manufacturing and healthcare. 

MRC funding was secured to develop a wound dressing incorporating inexpensive optical fibre sensors (OFS) which will monitor whether a wound is healing, whether healing is not progressing and whether a wound is infected. The proposed sensors have been developed and validated by our team in laboratory tests thus greatly reducing project risk. 

To date smart wound dressings monitor a single parameter such as pH or blood flow. Although useful, these do not provide a complete picture of status of the complex wound micro-environment. The new dressing could have a significant impact on NHS costs and patient care. It will enable clinical interventions to take place promptly but only when required, thus improving wound care and reducing the number of NHS appointments. For example early indication of infection would prompt a clinical appointment; indication of wound healing would reduce number of dressing changes.

Studies will involve clinic based evaluation of 10 patients to determine measurement accuracy and to refine the design. This will be followed by community based studies of 30 patients with chronic wounds. Design, regulatory, statistics and health economics expertise will help to support development of a valuable, safe tool that is acceptable to patients and clinicians

This post is initially a fixed-term 24 month contract, but has the possibility of extending. Hours of work are full-time, however job share arrangements may be considered.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Steve Morgan via email steve.morgan@nottingham.ac.uk Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 10 Sep 2018
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)