[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 develop a Synovium-on-a-Chip platform for human-relevant inflammation studies. The project leverages advanced engineering techniques, including 3D bioprinting, microfluidic engineering, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to create a dynamic, perfused system that closely mimics the human synovial environment. This innovative platform will enable researchers to investigate how gut-derived immune signals influence joint inflammation, providing a powerful tool for disease modelling and drug discovery.

As part of the iCASE programme, the successful candidate will undertake a three-month placement at Aelius Biotech, gaining valuable experience in translational research, regulatory pathways, and commercialisation. The studentship is sponsored by EPSRC and covers 100% of tuition fees, along with a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs are also provided, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the four-year award duration.

The ideal applicant will be enthusiastic, curious, and motivated, with practical experience in microfluidics, CAD, CFD modelling, cell culture, biomaterials, or biological assay techniques. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication abilities, are essential. The admissions process is contextual, considering key competencies and experience alongside academic qualifications. A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject is required, though prior experience and research enthusiasm are highly valued. A Masters qualification is not mandatory if the applicant can demonstrate alternative experience in a work or research-based project. Applicants whose first language is not English must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in all sub-skills. International candidates may need an ATAS clearance certificate for visa purposes.

To apply, candidates should complete the required personal statement using the provided template and submit it with their application via the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. The studentship code DLA2605 must be included, and applicants should select 'PhD Mechanical and Systems engineering (full time) - MECH8090 (FT)' as the programme of study. Applications without the personal statement will not be considered. For further information or independent advice, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

This studentship is ideal for those seeking to advance their expertise in mechanical and biomedical engineering, disease modelling, and translational research, while contributing to innovative solutions for joint inflammation and related diseases.