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.