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Nicolas Szita

11 months ago

PhD in Microfluidic Engineering of Human Inner Ear Organoids for Translational Research University College London in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Biomedical Engineering

Funding

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

University College London

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Keywords

Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Stem Cell Biology
Health Science
Precision Medicine
Regenerative Medicine
Single-cell Analysis
Biochemical Engineering
Auditory Neuroscience
High-resolution Imaging
Organoid Technology
Drug Screening
Hearing Loss
Microfluidic
Hydrogel
Inner Ear
Biomaterials

About this position

This PhD project at University College London offers an exceptional opportunity to join a cross-disciplinary collaboration between the Department of Biochemical Engineering and the UCL Ear Institute. The research aims to develop a next-generation, microfluidic-enhanced human inner ear organoid (hIEO) system, providing a powerful platform for understanding hearing loss and accelerating the discovery of new therapies. The successful candidate will engineer microfluidic systems to precisely control morphogen gradients, enhancing the reproducibility of organoid cultures.

The project also involves optimizing organoid growth in defined hydrogels to improve their structure, maturation, and function. Advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics and live-cell imaging will be used to assess cell diversity and hair-cell functionality. A key goal is to design a scalable 'Inner Ear-on-a-Chip' system, enabling high-throughput drug screening and ototoxicity testing.

The project is highly interdisciplinary, merging microfluidic engineering with stem-cell biology and integrating pioneering methods from leading labs. Students will gain hands-on experience in biomaterials, organoid culture, transcriptomics, and functional assays, using advanced human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) reporter lines to study drug and regenerative responses in real time. Supervision is provided by Professor Nicolas Szita, an expert in microfluidics and bioprocess engineering, and Professor Jonathan Gale, a leader in auditory cell biology and regeneration.

The project aligns with EPSRC’s Healthcare Technologies mission and priority themes in Engineering Biology, Microsystems, and Sensory Restoration. The studentship is fully funded for 4 years, covering tuition fees (with additional support for international students), a tax-free stipend at an enhanced rate, and a Research Training Support Grant for training and research expenses. Applicants should have a strong background in engineering, biology, or a related field, and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research.

The application deadline is 5th January 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the UCL EPSRC Doctoral Training portal.

Funding details

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

What's required

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as engineering, biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field. Experience in microfluidics, organoid culture, biomaterials, or transcriptomics is desirable but not essential. Good communication skills and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research are important. English language proficiency must meet UCL's requirements.

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Professors

Professor at Department of Biochemical Engineering

University Name
Country flag

United Kingdom

Research Interests

Biochemical Engineering

Biomaterials

Auditory Neuroscience

Inner Ear

Hearing Loss

Professor at Department of Biochemical Engineering

University Name
Country flag

United Kingdom

Research Interests

Cell Biology

Biomaterials

Vertebrate Biology

Synaptic Biology

Transcriptional Regulation