OxyMate Link – Development of an automated oxygen control add-on for existing neonatal ventilators

About the research project

Researchers in our group have developed an algorithm that automates oxygen titration for preterm infants and partnered with Inspiration Healthcare (UK) to commercialise the technology as OxyGenie™, now available in SLE1500 and SLE6000 neonatal ventilators used in more than 45 countries worldwide. While this technology has demonstrated significant clinical value, access in low- and middle-income countries remains limited because automated oxygen control is only available within high-cost ventilator platforms. In many resource-constrained settings, neonatal respiratory care relies on lower-cost devices that do not incorporate automated oxygen control.

To address this unmet need, we are developing OxyMate Link, a novel add-on device that enables automated oxygen control when connected to existing third-party respiratory support systems. By providing a lower-cost pathway to deploy this technology, OxyMate Link has the potential to improve the quality and accessibility of neonatal respiratory care in low-resource settings globally.

This PhD project will focus on the development of a research-ready proof-of-concept OxyMate Link device for use in a multi-centre clinical study of automated oxygen control in low-resource settings, while also supporting future commercial translation.

Key objectives include:

• Developing the electronic, embedded software, and mechanical systems required to implement the automated oxygen control algorithm within a closed-loop medical device platform.
• Designing interfaces to communicate with medical sensors and third-party respiratory support devices, while providing real-time monitoring, alerts, and user controls for researchers and clinicians.
• Enhancing the automated oxygen control algorithm to optimise performance across a range of connected devices with differing operational characteristics.
• Integrating OxyMate Link with selected neonatal ventilators and respiratory support systems and evaluating overall system performance through laboratory testing and pre-clinical validation.

The successful candidate will work closely with academic researchers, clinicians, and our industry partner, Inspiration Healthcare, with opportunities for direct industry engagement and potential industry placement during the candidature. This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development and translation of innovative medical technology with global health impact.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Andrew Marshall

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• An honours or Masters degree in mechanical, electrical, mechatronic or biomedical engineering or equivalent.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in the design and implementation of embedded systems, including mixed-signal PCB design and software development for microcontrollers and system-on-chip (SoC) platforms.
• Practical experience in the development, integration, and testing of electronic devices or instrumentation.
• A track record of research output, including authorship of peer-reviewed journal articles and/or conference papers.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Andrew Marshall to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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