PhD studentship in Bio-electronics – Localising invisible breast cancers during surgery

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided. 

Overview

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a background in electronic engineering, physics or a related discipline. Strong practical skills, an interest in biomedical research, and the ability to work independently are essential. Prior experience/knowledge in Electromagnetism, COMSOL, microfabrication, and PCB design are desirable but not essential. 

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in the UK, with over 55 000 new diagnoses annually. Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) is the best line of treatment. To enable surgeons to identify the cancer tissue, radiologists insert a localisation device (RFID, magnetic seed) into the tumour pre-operatively. Wireless methods hold promise however, due to the scale of current RFID tags, delivery is problematic for both clinicians and patients. 

The PhD provides an opportunity to develop novel micro-electronic tags for accurate excision of breast cancer. The research will involve device design and fabrication within engineering cleanrooms, in vitro testing and collaboration with consultant radiologists and surgeons from Gateshead Breast unit to assess device performance and clinical safety. 

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

1st October 2026

Award Duration

4 Years

Application Closing Date

18th February 2026

Sponsor

EPSRC   

Supervisors

Dr Mathew Barraclough ,

Prof Anthony O’Neill ,

Dr Simon Lowes

Eligibility Criteria

We are adopting a contextual admissions process. This means we will consider other key competencies and experience alongside your academic qualifications. An example can be found here . 

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification may not be required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss flexibilities and request an exemption.  

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme ) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How To Apply

Please read and complete this document as your Personal statement, and upload this with your application. Applications which do not include this document will not be considered. Further details can be found here . 

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal  

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’. 

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study: 

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8060F. 
• select ‘PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Bio-electronics) (full time)' as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section: 

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – Use this template . 
• the studentship code DLA2622 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field. 
• when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.    

You must submit one application per studentship; you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application. 

Contact Details

mathew.barraclough@newcastle.ac.uk  

anthony.oneill@newcastle.ac.uk  

simon.lowes@nhs.net   

 You can also contact: doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk for independent advice on your application.