Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Mechanics‑Informed Design of Reinforced Interventional Catheters

University: University College Dublin (UCD)
School / Department: School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering (and closely aligned with biomedical/medical device research at UCD).
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Funding: Fully funded PhD studentship (tuition plus stipend; listed explicitly as “fully funded PhD position”).
Mode: Full‑time PhD research position.
Deadline: Thursday, July 30, 2026

Project focus

The project focuses on the design theory and manufacturing technologies of coil‑reinforced and braided‑reinforced catheter structures, i.e., flexible interventional catheters whose shafts are reinforced with coils or braids to achieve specific mechanical performance. It is described as a fully funded PhD position in the area of reinforced flexible interventional catheter design and digital manufacturing, indicating work at the intersection of structural mechanics, materials engineering, and advanced manufacturing for medical devices.

Research themes and objectives

According to the adverts, the position aims at:

· Developing a design theory for coil‑reinforced and braided catheter shafts, so that geometric and material choices can be mapped to mechanical performance (e.g., flexibility, torque response, kink resistance).

· Investigating and optimizing manufacturing technologies for these reinforced catheters, likely including how reinforcement patterns are laid down, how polymer layers are combined with metallic reinforcements, and how digital manufacturing workflows can support repeatable, high‑precision catheter production.

· Working within the broader area of reinforced flexible interventional catheter design and digital manufacturing, which positions the project squarely in medical device engineering and could involve interaction with clinicians and industry partners.

While the public snippets do not spell out the full methodology, the emphasis on design theory plus manufacturing technologies strongly suggests a combination of mechanics‑based design, experimental characterization, and advanced manufacturing/processing, all embedded in an interventional catheter context.

Supervision and research environment

The project is advertised through UCD’s School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering postgraduate opportunities page, which indicates that interested candidates are expected to contact the supervisor to discuss the project, their background, funding, etc. before proceeding with the formal application. UCD’s Centre for Biomedical Engineering hosts research on medical devices and catheter mechanics, so the student would likely work in a multidisciplinary environment bridging mechanical engineering and biomedical applications.

On the School page, the generic instructions read: when you find a project you’re interested in, you should contact the supervisor to discuss what the project entails, your background, and funding; if both parties decide to pursue the application, you then apply online through UCD’s system.

Eligibility and entry requirements

The adverts themselves state that applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position in reinforced flexible interventional catheter design and digital manufacturing, without listing detailed entry criteria. UCD’s general PhD requirements (for research program) specify that applicants typically need:

· A Master’s degree in a relevant subject with Distinction (GPA > 3.08), and

· An undergraduate degree with at least a 2.1 (GPA > 3.08),

· Plus adequate English‑language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0).

Those general requirements are likely applicable here; in practice, a strong background in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, biomedical engineering, or a related area is expected for this catheter design project.

Application process

From UCD’s School page and the mirrored adverts, the implied application process is:

1. Identify the project “Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Mechanics‑Informed Design of Reinforced Interventional Catheters” on UCD’s postgraduate opportunities

2. Contact the supervisor directly to discuss the project scope, your background, and funding details, as recommended by UCD’s School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering.

3. After mutual agreement to proceed, submit an online application via UCD’s application portal, following the standard PhD application requirements.

Contact
Dr. Jufan Zhang
Email: jufan.zhang@ucd.ie

https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/fully-funded-phd-studentship-in-mechanics-informed-design-of-reinforced-interventional-catheters/?p197576

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