The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Next Generation Organ-on-a-Chip Technology at Queen Mary University of London is now recruiting PhD students for its 2026 cohort. The CDT, based within the Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, offers a multidisciplinary research environment focused on developing advanced in vitro models for biomedical research, disease modeling, and drug discovery. Projects span a range of topics including organ-on-a-chip platforms for liver, kidney, brain, skin, and tumour models, with applications in cancer research, neurotoxicity, radiotherapy, and tissue engineering. Key research areas include: Developing liver-on-a-chip platforms to assess radiation-induced injury, supervised by Dr Neil Dufton and Prof William Alazawi. Advanced glomerulus-on-a-chip models for kidney inflammation (Dr Maria Fragiadaki, Prof Thomas Iskratsch). 3D printed chips integrating cerebral organoids with electrode arrays for neurotoxicity testing (Dr Isabel Palacios, Prof Julien Gautrot). In vitro models to study tumour progression and bottlenecks (Dr Adrian Biddle, Prof John Marshall). Brain tumour margin-on-a-chip models for studying recurrence and electrotherapies (Dr Christopher Chapman, Dr Agnes Nishimura). Dual-use skin-on-a-chip models for oncology drug toxicity (Prof John Connelly, Dr Daniele Bergamaschi). Industry-sponsored projects, such as the Peptimatrix project led by Prof Martin Knight, focus on testing novel 3D matrix environments within commercial organ-chips. Students will join a vibrant research community, benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborate with industry partners including Peptimatrix, AstraZeneca, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The programme is fully funded for eligible students, covering tuition and a stipend. Applicants should have a strong background in biomedical engineering, biology, or related fields, and a keen interest in multidisciplinary research. The application deadline is August 1, 2026, for a September 2026 start. For more information and to apply, visit the Centre for Predictive in vitro Models website.

The Centre for Predictive in vitro Models at Queen Mary University of London is now advertising PhD projects for the September 2026 intake as part of the COaCT doctoral training programme. These positions focus on cutting-edge research in Organ-on-a-Chip technologies, biomedical engineering, and materials science. Students will have the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects such as developing liver-on-a-chip platforms to assess radiation-induced injury, advanced glomerulus-on-a-chip models for kidney inflammation, 3D printed chips for cerebral organoid integration and neurotoxicity testing, and organ-on-a-chip models to study tumour progression and recurrence. Additional projects include engineering skin-on-a-chip platforms for oncology drug toxicity assessment and exploring next-generation musculoskeletal organ-chips using 3D printing. Supervision is provided by a team of leading academics including Dr Neil Dufton, Prof William Alazawi, Dr Maria Fragiadaki, Prof Thomas Iskratsch, Dr Isabel Palacios, Prof Julien Gautrot, Dr Chris Chapman, Dr Adrian Biddle, Prof John Marshall, Dr Agnes Nishimura, Prof John Connelly, and Dr Daniele Bergamaschi. The projects are highly interdisciplinary, combining expertise in biomedical engineering, materials science, biology, and medical science. Collaborations with industry partners such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals, DSTL, Coherence Neuro, and AstraZeneca provide additional opportunities for translational research and validation of novel technologies. Applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant discipline and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research. Experience in laboratory research, microfluidics, cell culture, or 3D printing is advantageous. The programme typically offers fully funded studentships for eligible candidates, covering tuition fees and providing a stipend, though applicants should consult the official website for specific funding details. The application deadline is August 1, 2026. For more information on available projects and application procedures, visit the Centre for Predictive in vitro Models website.

Queen Mary University of London’s Centre for Predictive in vitro Models is recruiting PhD students for projects starting in September 2026. One highlighted project focuses on microfabrication at the interface with neuroscience and biology, aiming to develop advanced models for neurotoxicity testing and nerve repair. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining bioengineering, neuroscience, biology, and materials science, and is conducted in collaboration with leading labs and industry partners such as DSTL, bit.bio, CELLINK, and Liqcreate. The project, supervised by Professor Julien Gautrot (Biomaterials and Biointerfaces), Dr Isabel Palacios (Molecular Biology), Dr Patrick Pallier (Neuroscience), and Dr Christopher Chapman (Materials, Bioelectronics), will develop novel 3D brain models using cerebral organoids and multi-electrode arrays (MEAs). The aim is to create microfluidic platforms that integrate 3D MEAs for long-term culture, maturation, and functional neurotoxicity testing of cerebral organoids. Key objectives include chip engineering using DLP 3D printing and conductive polymers, organoid integration, and MEA-enabled neurotoxicity testing. Applicants should have a strong background in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, biology, or related fields. Experience with microfabrication, 3D printing, molecular biology techniques, or neurobiology is desirable. The project offers an opportunity to work in a cutting-edge research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations with both academic and industrial partners. Funding details are not explicitly stated, but the position is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training, which typically provides funded PhD opportunities. Interested candidates should review the project details and application process via the provided links and prepare their application materials accordingly. The application deadline is August 1, 2026.

A fully funded PhD position is available in the group of Professor Julien Gautrot at the Queen Mary University of London, within the Centre for Molecular Biochemical Engineering. The research focuses on bioengineering, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine, specifically the self-assembly of engineered proteins for tissue engineering applications. The project aims to develop novel hydrogels that mimic the extracellular matrix, with controlled nanoscale mechanical properties and microporosity, using protein engineering and microdroplet microfluidic techniques. These hydrogels will be designed to provide defined biochemical and physical cues to regulate stem cell phenotype, supporting advanced cell therapies and tissue repair. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining aspects of soft matter science, chemical engineering, biochemistry, and bioengineering. The materials developed will be injectable, 3D printable, and patternable, enabling the creation of advanced stem cell delivery systems. The project is a collaboration with clinicians and biologists from the Blizard Institute and is integrated with other projects in the Gautrot lab, which has a strong track record in biomaterials and biotechnologies, with publications in leading journals such as Nature Materials and Nature Cell Biology. Funding for this position is provided through the China Scholarship Council (CSC) scheme. Queen Mary University of London will cover all tuition fees, while the CSC will provide living expenses and a return flight ticket. Applicants must secure a CSC scholarship to be eligible. The minimum entry requirement is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline. Non-native English speakers must provide a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall, with no component below 6.0. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team and gain expertise in bioengineering, materials chemistry, and regenerative medicine. The start date is September 2026 (Semester 1), and the application deadline is 28 January 2026. For more information, visit the lab's website or the studentship page.