Verena Kriechbaumer

[Bursary of £20,780 per annum. Full university fees and bench fees covered. Visas and associated costs are not covered.] PhD Studentship: iBIO-Meniscus - Imaging Meniscus Biology for Repair Innovation at Oxford Brookes University offers a unique opportunity to explore the biology and biomechanics of the meniscus, a critical load-bearing soft tissue in the human body. This fully funded, three-year, full-time PhD position is open to home, EU, and international students, with a generous bursary of £20,780 per annum and full coverage of university and bench fees (visa costs not included). The project is supervised by Dr Olga Barrera (Director of Studies), Professor Verena Kriechbaumer, and Dr Amanpreet Kaur, who bring expertise in biomechanics, advanced imaging, and tissue engineering. The research focuses on the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the meniscus, which, like articular cartilage and intervertebral discs, is organized in complex layers that enable it to withstand significant compressive loads. Due to its avascular nature, the meniscus is notoriously difficult to repair, making a deep understanding of its ultrastructure and biology essential for developing effective repair strategies and inspiring bioinspired engineering solutions. The project applies a Structure ⇄ Biology ⇄ Mechanics framework to establish a pathway from natural tissue architectures to next-generation engineered components, such as meniscus-inspired dampers. Key objectives include: (1) characterizing the ultrastructure of meniscus layers, (2) capturing the biology of these layers, and (3) gaining insight into their function under mechanical loading. The project leverages advanced confocal and electron microscopy workflows within the Bioimaging Centre and the Bio Inspired Engineering and Multiphysics lab at Oxford Brookes University, ensuring methodological rigor and high-quality data generation. Applicants are expected to have a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. International/EU candidates must demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 overall, no component below 5.5). The studentship also includes up to 6 hours per week of teaching-related duties during semester time and participation in a teaching skills course. To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, details of two referees (at least one academic), a research proposal, degree certificates and transcripts, a passport scan, and evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable) via the university portal. The application deadline is 20th February 2026, with interviews to be confirmed and the start date in September 2026. For further information, contact Dr Olga Barrera at [email protected] or [email protected].

[Full funding: UKRI stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26 plus £2,000), tuition fees, and bench fees covered. Visa and associated costs not funded.] The Oxford Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science Training Programme (ILESLA) at Oxford Brookes University offers a prestigious 4-year, full-time PhD studentship designed for both UK/EU and international applicants. This programme is supported by the BBSRC and NERC through a Landscape Award, with additional support from a partnership that includes the University of Oxford, Pirbright Institute, Diamond Light Source, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, and The Open University. Students admitted to the programme will benefit from a comprehensive training structure that includes taught interdisciplinary skills, two exploratory research projects in the first year, and a 12-week professional internship to gain valuable work experience. After the initial year, students select a 3-year research project, which must include a supervisor from Oxford Brookes University. Rotation projects are required at both Oxford Brookes and a partner organisation, providing exposure to a wide range of research environments and expertise. The studentship covers full tuition fees, bench fees, and a generous UKRI stipend (£20,780 for the academic year 2025/26 plus an additional £2,000). Please note that visa and associated costs are not funded. The programme is open to applicants holding or expecting to obtain a UK Bachelor’s Degree with at least a 2:1 classification or overseas equivalent in a relevant academic subject. International applicants must meet English language requirements, including a valid IELTS Academic test certificate with an overall minimum score of 7.5 and no score below 7.0, issued in the last 2 years by an approved test centre. Applications for 2026 entry are processed through the University of Oxford application system, with a single entry route for all partner institutions. Shortlisted candidates will typically be interviewed once for entry into the programme. The application deadline is 8 January 2026 (12:00 midday UK time), and the programme commences in September 2026. For further details, including Open Day information and application instructions, visit the Oxford Brookes course page or the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions Course Page. General enquiries can be directed to [email protected], and programme-specific queries to Associate Professor Andrew Jones ([email protected]) or Professor Verena Kriechbaumer ([email protected]). This studentship is ideal for candidates seeking advanced interdisciplinary training in life and environmental sciences, with opportunities to collaborate across leading UK research institutions and gain professional experience through internships and rotation projects.