University of Birmingham
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5 days ago
Fully Funded PhD in Actuated Microdevices for Oral Delivery of Biologics University of Birmingham in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biomedical Engineering
Funding
Fully funded EPSRC studentship covering tuition fees at the UK rate and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum (£21,805 per year for 2026/27) for 3.5 years. A research training support grant covers consumables and conference travel. International applicants are eligible, but places are restricted due to EPSRC limits on international students in each cohort.
Deadline
Jan 8, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Birmingham
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Birmingham in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and related areas.
This project, Actuated microdevices for oral delivery of biologics, explores how actively controlled mechanical stimulation can help large therapeutic molecules cross the intestinal wall. The research combines oral drug delivery, mucus rheology, microfabrication, actuator design, MEMS, finite element modelling, ex vivo tissue methods, and cell culture. You will design, microfabricate, and characterise a device that delivers controlled vibration to intestinal tissue, with the goal of improving transport of biologics across mucus and epithelial barriers.
The project sits within the University of Birmingham’s healthcare technology ecosystem, including the Healthcare Technologies Institute and the Precision Healthcare Technology Accelerator, and connects with the School of Engineering’s Medical Engineering research group.
Funding: fully funded EPSRC studentship. It covers tuition fees at the UK rate plus a tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum (£21,805 per year for 2026/27) for 3.5 years, with additional research training support for consumables and conference travel.
Eligibility: first-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, applied physics, or a closely related subject. Hands-on experimental ability is important; willingness to learn laboratory biology is expected. Experience with MEMS, actuators, COMSOL, or cell culture is welcome but not required.
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom.
How to apply: contact Dr Gerard Cummins at [email protected] with a CV and a short note on why the project interests you. You can also register interest via the FindAPhD listing.
Funding details
Fully funded EPSRC studentship covering tuition fees at the UK rate and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum (£21,805 per year for 2026/27) for 3.5 years. A research training support grant covers consumables and conference travel. International applicants are eligible, but places are restricted due to EPSRC limits on international students in each cohort.
What's required
Applicants should have or be graduating with a first-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, applied physics, or a closely related subject. Candidates should be comfortable with hands-on experimental work and willing to learn laboratory biology. Experience with MEMS, actuators, COMSOL, or cell culture is welcome but not required.
How to apply
Contact Dr Gerard Cummins by email with a CV and a short note explaining why the project interests you. Register your interest through the FindAPhD page to be contacted by the university directly.
More information can be found here
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