Catharien Hilkens

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided. Funded by EPSRC.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to develop a Synovium-on-a-Chip platform for advanced human-relevant inflammation studies. The project will leverage cutting-edge techniques in 3D bioprinting, microfluidic engineering, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to create a dynamic, perfused system that closely mimics the human synovial environment. This innovative platform will enable the investigation of how gut-derived immune signals influence joint inflammation, providing a valuable tool for disease modelling and drug discovery. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team and benefit from the expertise of supervisors Dr Priscila Melo, Dr Francesco Zonta, and Prof Catharien Hilkens. The project is part of the iCASE programme, which includes a three-month placement at Aelius Biotech, offering hands-on experience in translational research, regulatory pathways, and commercialisation. Funding for this position covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported by the EPSRC. The studentship is open to UK and international applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. Practical experience in microfluidics, CAD, CFD modelling, cell culture, biomaterials, or biological assay techniques is highly desirable. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential. A Masters qualification is not required if the candidate can demonstrate equivalent experience. Non-native English speakers must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills), and international applicants may need an ATAS certificate. To apply, candidates must complete the required personal statement template and submit their application via the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal, selecting 'PhD Mechanical and Systems engineering (full time) - MECH8090 (FT)' and entering the studentship code DLA2605. No separate research proposal is required. The application deadline is 18 February 2025, and the studentship will commence on 1 October 2026. For further information, contact Dr Priscila Melo at [email protected] or [email protected] for independent advice.

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to engineer a Synovium-on-a-Chip platform for advanced human-relevant inflammation studies. The project integrates cutting-edge 3D bioprinting, microfluidic engineering, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to create a dynamic, perfused system that closely mimics the human synovial environment. This innovative platform will enable researchers to investigate how gut-derived immune signals influence joint inflammation, providing a powerful tool for disease modelling and drug discovery. As a PhD student, you will join a multidisciplinary team and work under the supervision of Dr. Priscila Melo, Dr. Francesco Zonta, and Prof. Catharien Hilkens. The research will involve practical experience in microfluidics, CAD, CFD modelling, cell culture, biomaterials, and biological assay techniques. You will develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and gain experience working both independently and collaboratively across disciplines. The studentship is part of the prestigious iCASE programme, which includes a three-month placement at Aelius Biotech, offering valuable exposure to translational research, regulatory pathways, and commercialisation processes. The award covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. The programme is sponsored by EPSRC and runs for four years, starting on 1st October 2026. Applicants must hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. Prior experience in microfluidics, CAD, CFD modelling, cell culture, biomaterials, or biological assay techniques is highly desirable. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential. A Masters qualification is not required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can demonstrate equivalent experience. For international applicants, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills) is required, and ATAS clearance may be necessary. To apply, complete the required personal statement document and upload it with your application via the Newcastle University Apply to Newcastle Portal. Select 'PhD Mechanical and Systems Engineering (full time) - MECH8090 (FT)' as your programme, enter the studentship code DLA2605, and use the provided template for your personal statement. No separate research proposal is needed. For further information or advice, contact Dr. Priscila Melo at [email protected] or [email protected]. This studentship is ideal for candidates passionate about engineering, biomedical innovation, and translational research, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation disease models and therapeutic strategies.

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to develop a Synovium-on-a-Chip platform for human-relevant inflammation studies. The project leverages advanced engineering techniques, including 3D bioprinting, microfluidic engineering, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to create a dynamic, perfused system that closely mimics the human synovial environment. This innovative platform will enable researchers to investigate how gut-derived immune signals influence joint inflammation, providing a powerful tool for disease modelling and drug discovery. As part of the iCASE programme, the successful candidate will undertake a three-month placement at Aelius Biotech, gaining valuable experience in translational research, regulatory pathways, and commercialisation. The studentship is sponsored by EPSRC and covers 100% of tuition fees, along with a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs are also provided, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the four-year award duration. The ideal applicant will be enthusiastic, curious, and motivated, with practical experience in microfluidics, CAD, CFD modelling, cell culture, biomaterials, or biological assay techniques. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication abilities, are essential. The admissions process is contextual, considering key competencies and experience alongside academic qualifications. A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject is required, though prior experience and research enthusiasm are highly valued. A Masters qualification is not mandatory if the applicant can demonstrate alternative experience in a work or research-based project. Applicants whose first language is not English must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in all sub-skills. International candidates may need an ATAS clearance certificate for visa purposes. To apply, candidates should complete the required personal statement using the provided template and submit it with their application via the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. The studentship code DLA2605 must be included, and applicants should select 'PhD Mechanical and Systems engineering (full time) - MECH8090 (FT)' as the programme of study. Applications without the personal statement will not be considered. For further information or independent advice, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. This studentship is ideal for those seeking to advance their expertise in mechanical and biomedical engineering, disease modelling, and translational research, while contributing to innovative solutions for joint inflammation and related diseases.