Thomas Iskratsch

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Next Generation Organ-on-a-Chip Technology at Queen Mary University of London is now recruiting PhD students for its 2026 cohort. The CDT, based within the Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, offers a multidisciplinary research environment focused on developing advanced in vitro models for biomedical research, disease modeling, and drug discovery. Projects span a range of topics including organ-on-a-chip platforms for liver, kidney, brain, skin, and tumour models, with applications in cancer research, neurotoxicity, radiotherapy, and tissue engineering. Key research areas include: Developing liver-on-a-chip platforms to assess radiation-induced injury, supervised by Dr Neil Dufton and Prof William Alazawi. Advanced glomerulus-on-a-chip models for kidney inflammation (Dr Maria Fragiadaki, Prof Thomas Iskratsch). 3D printed chips integrating cerebral organoids with electrode arrays for neurotoxicity testing (Dr Isabel Palacios, Prof Julien Gautrot). In vitro models to study tumour progression and bottlenecks (Dr Adrian Biddle, Prof John Marshall). Brain tumour margin-on-a-chip models for studying recurrence and electrotherapies (Dr Christopher Chapman, Dr Agnes Nishimura). Dual-use skin-on-a-chip models for oncology drug toxicity (Prof John Connelly, Dr Daniele Bergamaschi). Industry-sponsored projects, such as the Peptimatrix project led by Prof Martin Knight, focus on testing novel 3D matrix environments within commercial organ-chips. Students will join a vibrant research community, benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborate with industry partners including Peptimatrix, AstraZeneca, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The programme is fully funded for eligible students, covering tuition and a stipend. Applicants should have a strong background in biomedical engineering, biology, or related fields, and a keen interest in multidisciplinary research. The application deadline is August 1, 2026, for a September 2026 start. For more information and to apply, visit the Centre for Predictive in vitro Models website.

The Centre for Predictive in vitro Models at Queen Mary University of London is now advertising PhD projects for the September 2026 intake as part of the COaCT doctoral training programme. These positions focus on cutting-edge research in Organ-on-a-Chip technologies, biomedical engineering, and materials science. Students will have the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects such as developing liver-on-a-chip platforms to assess radiation-induced injury, advanced glomerulus-on-a-chip models for kidney inflammation, 3D printed chips for cerebral organoid integration and neurotoxicity testing, and organ-on-a-chip models to study tumour progression and recurrence. Additional projects include engineering skin-on-a-chip platforms for oncology drug toxicity assessment and exploring next-generation musculoskeletal organ-chips using 3D printing. Supervision is provided by a team of leading academics including Dr Neil Dufton, Prof William Alazawi, Dr Maria Fragiadaki, Prof Thomas Iskratsch, Dr Isabel Palacios, Prof Julien Gautrot, Dr Chris Chapman, Dr Adrian Biddle, Prof John Marshall, Dr Agnes Nishimura, Prof John Connelly, and Dr Daniele Bergamaschi. The projects are highly interdisciplinary, combining expertise in biomedical engineering, materials science, biology, and medical science. Collaborations with industry partners such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals, DSTL, Coherence Neuro, and AstraZeneca provide additional opportunities for translational research and validation of novel technologies. Applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant discipline and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research. Experience in laboratory research, microfluidics, cell culture, or 3D printing is advantageous. The programme typically offers fully funded studentships for eligible candidates, covering tuition fees and providing a stipend, though applicants should consult the official website for specific funding details. The application deadline is August 1, 2026. For more information on available projects and application procedures, visit the Centre for Predictive in vitro Models website.