PhD Development and validation of a bespoke sweat sensor to monitor nuanced changes in sweat rate
PhD @Loughborough University posted 1 week agoJob Description
Project details
At present, it is not possible to measure sweating over an extended period of time through a wearable system. Moreover, it is not yet clearly understood how sweating is linked to emotional responses, and how sweat glands respond to different lifestyles, in particular sedentary.
The objective of this project, in collaboration with Unilever, is to design, build and validate a wearable, flexible biosensor to be used across the body, with the ability to distinguish between apocrine and eccrine gland activation, to create a link to monitor the emotional response to triggers and to build a stronger link to the onset of sweating.
This is an exciting new collaborative project between our Sports Technology Institute and Unilever, an innovative and world-leading company specialising in consumer goods, with a strong commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge research.
You will be part of a team alongside expert supervisors: Professor Zecca, chair of healthcare technology, with 20+ years of experience in the development of sensors for healthcare applications; Dr Diganta Das; Stephanie Edwards; and Andrew Peers.
Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In the REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College, there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networks among your peers and research academics.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Professor Massimiliano Zecca
Secondary supervisor: Dr Diganta Das
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first class or upper second class degree in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a genuine interest in Wearable Technology, Sensor Development, Biomedical Devices, and Data Science related to healthcare technologies.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
International fee
Not applicable Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025, January 2026, April 2026 and July 2026.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
The EPSRC studentship is for 4 years and provides an enhanced, tax-free stipend of £21,737 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Some unique benefits of this iCASE studentship include an enhanced stipend, working closely with Unilever on industry-relevant challenges and building networks. Moreover, during the PhD, the student will undertake several placements (for a total of three months during the whole period) at Port Sunlight, supervised by Steph Edwards and Andy Peers, during which time they will be able to access world-leading facilities across the Port Sunlight R&D and Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) sites.
Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available to those eligible for UK fees.
How to apply
Apply online via the ‘Apply’ button. Under the programme name, select ‘Electronic, Electrical & Systems Engineering’ and quote the advertised reference number ‘MA-2023-02584N’ in your application.
Please submit a curriculum vitae (CV) and the minimum supporting documents listed on our ‘How to Apply’ webpage. Incomplete applications received after the advert closing date may not be considered for interview.
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. Interviews will continue until a suitable candidate is found.
