PhD in Mechanical Biomarker Discovery for Next-Generation Biomedical Diagnostics University of Glasgow in United Kingdom

PhD opportunity in Mechanical Biomarker Discovery for Next-Generation Biomedical Diagnostics at the University of Glasgow, College of Science and Engineering.

This fully funded, industry-sponsored PhD sits at the intersection of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biophysics, Cell Biology, Chemical Engineering, Dynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Solid Mechanics. The project focuses on the emerging idea that mechanical properties such as tissue stiffness and viscoelasticity can serve as biomarkers of health and disease. The research aims to develop rapid technologies for mechanical biomarker discovery and biomedical diagnostics, building on an award-winning collaboration between the University of Glasgow and Soapworks Ltd.

The successful candidate will work within the Division of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre. The project combines experimental biomechanics, rheology, mechanobiology, instrumentation development, and advanced data analysis. It aims to create tools that can reconstruct viscoelastic properties from rapid indentation experiments and translate these methods into clinically meaningful diagnostics for small tissue samples.

Research themes include disease progression, ageing, tissue remodelling, soft biological systems, and the identification of novel mechanical biomarkers associated with cancer, fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and ageing. The project also offers exposure to industrial translation, intellectual property, and commercialisation through Soapworks Ltd and the Daabon Group, plus collaboration with partners in the UK, Europe, Colombia, and the United States.

Funding: fully funded industry-sponsored PhD studentship. Tuition fees are covered for UK applicants for 3.5 years, and a stipend is provided at the Research Council rate (£21,805 for Session 2067/27). Outstanding international applicants may also be considered, subject to School approval.

Eligibility: applicants should hold or expect a First Class or strong Upper Second Class degree, or international equivalent, in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline. A Master’s degree and experience in biomechanics, rheology, biomedical instrumentation, or experimental soft matter are helpful but not required.

Application window: the listing shows a deadline of 31 August 2026. Interested candidates should register their interest via the FindAPhD enquiry form on the project page.