PhD Studentship: 3D-printed Drug Delivery Microbots for Personalised Healthcare University of Nottingham in United Kingdom

[Funding is sought from the University of Nottingham as part of a competitive process. Covers home tuition fees and UKRI stipend for 42 months.]

The University of Nottingham invites applications for a PhD studentship in the Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM), focusing on the development of 3D-printed drug delivery microbots for personalised healthcare. This interdisciplinary project leverages world-class laboratory facilities and expertise in 3D printing, bio-printing, micro-robotics, and materials science. The research aims to advance medical therapeutics by creating mobile devices—microbots—that efficiently deliver drugs and respond to environmental cues such as temperature, pH, light, magnetic fields, and ultrasound. The project will develop innovative materials, methods, and designs to produce the next generation of medical microbots, combining multiple functions to achieve complex and customisable devices tailored for personalised healthcare solutions.

As a PhD student, you will gain hands-on experience with advanced 3D-printing equipment and participate in the Additive BioFabrication Laboratory. The studentship is aligned with the 'Dialling up Performance for on Demand Manufacturing' programme grant, offering a collaborative environment with nine other PhD students, 15 postdoctoral researchers, 18 academics from five universities, and 11 industry leaders in pharmaceutical and additive manufacturing. This network provides a supportive and dynamic research community, preparing you for future careers in both industry and academia.

Eligibility is open to UK/home and international candidates. Applicants must possess or expect to obtain a 2:1 or first-class degree in physical sciences disciplines such as engineering, chemistry, or physics. A background in engineering, materials science, or chemistry is required, and candidates should be motivated to learn new disciplines and innovate. Interests in 3D printing, materials sciences, or programming are desirable. The studentship equips you with skills in materials science, 3D printing, biotechnology, and engineering, positioning you for world-leading expertise in the field.

Funding is provided through a competitive process by the University of Nottingham, covering home tuition fees and a UKRI stipend for 42 months. The PhD start date is October 2026. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed. To apply, submit a covering letter, CV, and academic transcripts to Geoffrey Rivers at [email protected], referencing the project title. Applications without academic transcripts will not be considered.

For further details and to access the application link, visit: University of Nottingham PhD Project Page.