Alexey Zaikin

A fully funded PhD position is available at University College London (UCL) in the field of synthetic biology and cancer immunotherapy, focusing on engineering feedback control loops into CAR-T cell therapeutics. The project aims to address key challenges in CAR-T therapy, such as severe side effects and manufacturing variability, by designing artificial genetic circuits that enable mammalian cells to sense their population density and self-regulate their activity. This innovative approach could significantly improve the safety and reliability of CAR-T treatments for blood cancers. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team in the Departments of Biochemical Engineering and Mathematics, working under the supervision of Dr Darren Nesbeth and Professor Alexey Zaikin. Training will include molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, genetic circuit design, and integration of experimental work with mathematical modeling. The project offers comprehensive mentorship and skills development relevant to both academia and the biotech industry. Applicants should have a strong background in life sciences, bioengineering, or biotechnology, with curiosity and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research. The position is funded through the UCL EPSRC Landscape Award (UELA), covering full tuition, a competitive stipend, and research support for four years. Both Home and International students are eligible, though international places are limited. The application deadline is 13:00 UK time on 5 January 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the UELA online portal, ensuring all parts of the application and references are submitted by the deadline. For more details, visit the project and UELA webpages.