Patrick Degenaar

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided. Funded by EPSRC.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University’s School of Computing offers an exciting opportunity to advance research in formal requirements and specification-based automated testing for safety-critical medical device software certification. The project is part of the international PlaTFoRm-project (Practical Testing of Formal Requirements), involving collaboration with UK and EU partners such as D-RisQ Ltd, fortiss, and Verified International. The research addresses the challenge of ensuring software safety, reliability, and regulatory approval for medical devices, which are increasingly reliant on complex software for life support, monitoring, and decision-making. Medical device software must comply with strict international regulations, including IEC 62304 and ISO14971, which require rigorous safety assessments. Traditional testing methods often fall short in identifying rare or unforeseen failures. This PhD project aims to develop and evaluate processes that integrate formal requirements and automated test generation based on formal specifications, producing clear, traceable, and regulator-ready evidence for certification. The research will focus on a safety-critical medical device software case study, delivering traceable workflows, formal requirement templates, and automatically generated verification artefacts to support certification. As a PhD student, you will be trained in software engineering, formal methods, and safety assurance, with no prior experience in formal methods or medical regulation required. The project includes comprehensive training, supervision, and a gradual progression into research work. You will learn to express software requirements using formal models, generate automated test cases, and trace verification evidence back to safety requirements. The project outputs will support medical device certification standards and promote industrial adoption and regulatory engagement, benefiting startups, SMEs, and ultimately patients. The research environment is based in Newcastle University’s Computing AMBER-group, which specializes in safety-critical software, medical systems, simulation, and neuroprosthetics. You will collaborate with industry partners on requirements engineering, safety-critical test generation, static analysis, code testing, and system robustness testing. The project offers opportunities for industrial engagement, international collaboration, and exposure to regulatory challenges, providing a strong foundation for careers in research, industry, or regulation. The studentship covers 100% tuition fees and provides a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. The award duration is four years, starting on 1 October 2026. Applicants should have a strong academic background in computer science, software engineering, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree is helpful but not essential. The position is particularly suitable for motivated UK graduates interested in developing advanced research and technical skills while making a real societal impact in healthcare technologies. To apply, visit the Newcastle University funding page for eligibility criteria and application instructions. Complete the online application form and submit required documents before the deadline of 15 February 2026. For further information, contact Leo Freitas or Kenneth Pierce. This studentship is sponsored by EPSRC and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of medical device software safety and certification.

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided. Funded by EPSRC.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in bionic vision and neuroprosthetics. The project is part of the Newcastle Visual Prosthesis initiative, which aims to restore sight to the blind through the development of advanced brain implants that work in tandem with gene therapy. By stimulating the visual cortex, these implants bypass damaged components of the visual system, offering hope to individuals affected by blinding disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma. The research encompasses a range of interdisciplinary topics, including photonics, microelectronics, embedded systems, implant probe design, and signal processing. Students can tailor their project focus to areas such as: Bionic Vision Microelectronics: Design and develop low-power mixed-signal circuitry on CMOS chips for custom implants. Implantable Probes: Utilize advanced microfabrication techniques to integrate electronics, photonics, and biocompatible brain probes. Embedded Systems: Develop subcutaneous control units using microcontrollers, power, and data transmission systems. Biophysics and Neuroscience: Investigate the fundamental barriers to bionic vision and develop innovative methods for brain interfacing. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary neuroprosthesis laboratory within the Newcastle University Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering. The lab fosters a collaborative and inclusive research culture, with regular meetings and opportunities for professional development. The project is supervised by Professor Patrick Degenaar and is supported by the EPSRC. Funding: The studentship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs covered. Eligibility: Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. The admissions process is contextual, considering competencies and experience alongside academic qualifications. Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills are essential. A Masters degree is not required if the candidate has a 2:1 degree or equivalent experience. Non-native English speakers must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may need an ATAS certificate. Application Process: Applications should be submitted via the Newcastle University Postgraduate Funding Search portal. For project-specific queries, contact Prof. Patrick Degenaar. For independent advice, email doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk. The application deadline is 18th February 2026, and the studentship will commence on 1st October 2026.

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in bionic vision and neuroprosthetic technology. The Newcastle Visual Prosthesis project is pioneering a brain implant that works in tandem with gene therapy to stimulate the visual cortex, aiming to restore sight to individuals affected by blinding disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma. The project integrates photonics, microelectronics, embedded systems, advanced implant probe design, and signal processing to create a sophisticated brain interface capable of bypassing damaged visual pathways. Students from diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with possible research projects including: developing advanced low-power mixed-signal circuitry on CMOS chips for custom implants; utilizing microfabrication techniques to combine electronics, photonics, and biocompatible brain probes; designing embedded systems for subcutaneous control units; and exploring biophysics and neuroscience challenges to improve brain communication. The research is conducted in a vibrant neuroprosthesis laboratory, part of the Newcastle University Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering, with a collaborative team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students. The studentship covers 100% tuition fees and provides a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. The award duration is four years, starting October 1, 2026. Applicants must hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, with value placed on prior experience, research enthusiasm, and independent thinking. Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills are essential. A Masters qualification is not required if the candidate meets the degree or experience criteria. International applicants must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills) and may require ATAS clearance for visa purposes. To apply, visit the Newcastle University Postgraduate Funding Search portal and submit your application by February 18, 2026. For questions regarding eligibility or alternative qualifications, contact Prof. Patrick Degenaar or the doctoral awards office. This studentship is sponsored by EPSRC and offers a unique chance to join a leading interdisciplinary team working to revolutionize vision restoration technologies.

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided. Sponsored by EPSRC.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in bionic vision and neuroprosthetic technology. The Newcastle Visual Prosthesis project is pioneering a brain implant that works alongside gene therapy to stimulate the visual cortex, bypassing damaged components of the visual system in various blinding disorders. The research aims to restore sight to individuals affected by conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma, enabling them to navigate and interact with their environment. The project integrates photonics, microelectronics, embedded systems, advanced implant probe design, and signal processing. Students from diverse backgrounds can participate in several specialized research tracks, including: Bionic Vision Microelectronics: Develop advanced low-power mixed-signal circuitry on CMOS chips for custom implants. Bionic Vision Implantable Probes: Utilize microfabrication techniques to combine electronics, photonics, and biocompatible brain probes. Bionic Vision Embedded Systems: Create subcutaneous control units using microcontrollers, power, and data transmission systems. Bionic Vision Biophysics: Investigate biophysics and neuroscience challenges, developing new methods to interface with the brain. The research is conducted in a vibrant neuroprosthesis laboratory, part of the Newcastle University Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering. The interdisciplinary team includes postdoctoral staff and PhD students, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment with regular meetings and academic debates. Funding: The studentship covers 100% tuition fees and provides a tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. The award is sponsored by EPSRC. Eligibility: Applicants should hold a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. Prior research experience, enthusiasm, and independent thinking are highly valued. Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills are essential. A Masters qualification is not mandatory if alternative experience can be demonstrated. Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may need an ATAS certificate for visa purposes. Flexibility for alternative qualifications or experience is available upon request. Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the Newcastle University Postgraduate Funding Search portal by 18th February 2026. The studentship starts on 1st October 2026 and lasts for four years. For project-specific queries, contact Prof. Patrick Degenaar. For independent advice, email doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk. This opportunity is ideal for motivated students interested in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and advanced technology, aiming to make a real impact in restoring vision.