PhD Studentship: Subchondral Bone Remodelling in Osteoarthritic Joints (MSCA-DN RENOVATE-DC01) University College London in United Kingdom

The UCL Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, in collaboration with the RENOVATE Consortium, invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focused on understanding subchondral bone remodelling in osteoarthritic joints. This position is part of the prestigious Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN RENOVATE-DC01), offering world-class supervision, training, and career development opportunities.

The research project aims to examine subchondral bone remodelling with respect to microstructure, bone mineral density, and composition changes in osteoarthritic joints, and to correlate these changes with overlying cartilage degeneration. The work will involve collaboration with the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Royal Free Hospital, and other RENOVATE partners, utilizing advanced techniques to analyze bone explants and contribute to early diagnosis and intervention strategies for osteoarthritis. The expected outcomes are clinically relevant, with the potential to improve the quality of life for OA patients through earlier detection and treatment.

Doctoral students at UCL benefit from membership in the UCL Doctoral School, which provides a comprehensive Doctoral Skills programme covering research ethics, public engagement, outreach, impact, and opportunities for master's level modules and CPD training. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research community and have access to extensive resources and support.

Funding for this position includes a salary of £30,805 per year plus UK tuition fees, with additional mobility and family allowances in accordance with MSCA rules. The studentship is open to candidates of any nationality, provided they have not resided or carried out their main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.

Applicants must hold at least a first-class honours (UK or equivalent) degree in Biomedical Engineering, tissue engineering, biomaterials, or tissue biology. Essential skills include research experience in tissue engineering and biomedical engineering or medical imaging, knowledge of in vitro and in vivo evaluation of biomaterials and medical devices, analytical skills, and proficiency in medical image processing. Good English communication skills are required. Desirable qualifications include experience with cell or tissue biology, mechanical testing, microstructure examinations, materials chemistry analysis, and additive manufacturing.

To apply, candidates should email their CV (Europass format), full transcript, two academic references, and a covering letter to Prof Chaozong Liu ([email protected]), CC [email protected]. The covering letter should detail your interest in the project, relevant experience, and suitability for the post. Signed eligibility and application forms must be downloaded from https://dn-renovate.ulpgc.es/recruitment/ and included in the application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The application deadline is 31 December 2025, with the position starting on 1 May 2026.

For further information about the supervisor, Prof Chaozong Liu, visit his UCL profile. For details about the RENOVATE programme and application forms, see the recruitment page.