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.

[£20,780 per annum bursary, full university fees and bench fees covered. Visa and associated costs not included.] PhD Studentship: iBIO-Meniscus - Imaging Meniscus Biology for Repair Innovation at Oxford Brookes University offers a unique opportunity to explore the biology, structure, and mechanics of the meniscus, a critical load-bearing soft tissue in the human body. The project aims to advance understanding of meniscal layer organisation and adaptation under mechanical loading, with the ultimate goal of enabling effective biological repair and inspiring bio-inspired engineering solutions. The meniscus, along with articular cartilage and intervertebral discs, features a complex extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture that sustains high compressive loads but is notoriously difficult to repair due to its avascular nature. This studentship will investigate the sandwich-like structure of the meniscus, focusing on how its stiff outer layers and compliant porous core contribute to hydraulic–mechanical performance. The research will apply a Structure ⇄ Biology ⇄ Mechanics framework to establish a pathway for bioinspired design, where insights from natural tissue architectures inform next-generation engineering components such as meniscus-inspired dampers. Three main objectives will guide the project: (1) ultrastructural analysis of meniscus layers, (2) capturing the biology of these layers, and (3) gaining insight into layer function under mechanical loading. The work will leverage advanced imaging techniques, including confocal and electron microscopy, within the Bioimaging Centre and the Bio Inspired Engineering and Multiphysics lab at Oxford Brookes University. The project benefits from strong expertise in biomechanics and imaging, ensuring methodological rigour and high-quality data generation. The studentship is open to home, EU, and international students. It provides a generous bursary of £20,780 per annum, covers university fees and bench fees, but does not include visa or associated costs. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake up to 6 hours of teaching per week during semester time, including preparation and marking, and participate in a teaching skills course. The position starts in September 2026, with applications closing on 20th February 2026. Applicants should hold a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) and, if applicable, meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 overall, no score below 5.5). The application process requires submission of a cover letter, CV, two referees (at least one academic), a research proposal, degree certificates and transcripts, a scan of your passport, and evidence of English language qualification. For further information or queries, contact Dr Olga Barrera at [email protected] or [email protected]. Apply directly via the university portal: Oxford Brookes Application Portal .

[Full studentship: 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 innovative programme, funded by BBSRC and NERC, provides comprehensive training across the full spectrum of biological and environmental sciences. The studentship includes a competitive UKRI stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26 plus an additional £2,000), full coverage of tuition and bench fees, and access to a wide range of research facilities and partner institutions. Visa and associated costs are not included in the funding. The ILESLA programme is structured to foster interdisciplinary skills and research experience. In the first year, students undertake two exploratory research projects with prospective supervisors, allowing them to experience different research environments and topics before selecting their main 3-year research project. A 12-week professional internship is also integrated into the programme, providing valuable work experience and enhancing employability. Students admitted through Oxford Brookes University must complete one rotation project at Brookes and another at a partner organisation, ensuring broad exposure and collaboration. The PhD project must include a supervisor from Oxford Brookes University. The ILESLA partnership includes the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, Pirbright Institute, Diamond Light Source, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, and The Open University. This collaborative network offers students access to world-class research facilities and expertise. The programme is supported by a Landscape Award from BBSRC and NERC, with additional support from within the partnership. Applicants must hold or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor’s Degree with at least a 2:1 classification or an overseas equivalent in a relevant academic subject. UKRI eligibility criteria apply. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a valid IELTS Academic test certificate (minimum overall score of 7.5, no component below 7.0) or an approved equivalent. For further information on equivalency, applicants should contact [email protected]. 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 more details on the application process, open days, and programme structure, visit the Oxford Brookes course page or contact the programme directors, Associate Professor Andrew Jones and Professor Verena Kriechbaumer.