Studentship - EASTBIO - Cellular Responses to Fluid Forces: Phases Across the Ages

Deadline: Monday 15^th December, 2025. Competition funded PhD Project.

Supervisors: Dr Carsten Gram Hansen (The University of Edinburgh), Dr Tyler Shendruk (The University of Edinburgh), Dr Pierre Bagnaninchi (The University of Edinburgh)

About the Project

This project will uncover how fluids influence biological structures and functions across scales, and how ageing alters these interactions. By combining intrinsic cellular ageing with ageing-induced changes in the microenvironment, we will explore how these stressors impair cellular capacity to respond to stimuli.

Research Challenge

The key challenge is to decipher the heterogeneity in how dynamic fluids influence cells. Such parameters have been difficult to study, but recent advances now allow us to do so. We will combine bioimaging, modelling, and advanced imaging platforms to analyse dynamic cellular behaviours at single-cell resolution.

Objectives

• Develop imaging pipelines to stratify responses to fluid dynamics.
  We will extract cellular features from confocal and label-free images, enabling classification of cell types and states under different fluidic conditions.
• Assess responses to microenvironmental change.
  Using models of young and aged microenvironments, we will analyse how cells adapt and correlate these behaviours with genetic and proteomic profiles.
• Integrate proteomics, modelling, and imaging to identify modular nodes

By linking molecular signatures to phenotypic features captured through bioimaging, we will identify potential targets for genetic or therapeutic intervention.

Approach

The project will be delivered through an interdisciplinary, team-based framework built around these three objectives. We will combine microfluidics, phase-change systems, bioengineering, label-free quantitative phase imaging, and high-content imaging with diverse cellular models. Experimental data will be integrated with fluid simulations to enable predictive and iterative modelling.

Training and Environment

The student will join a supportive interdisciplinary environment, gaining expertise in:

• Biomedical image analysis, omics, genome editing, and molecular biology
• High-content and label-free imaging
• Tissue culture, microfluidics, and bioengineering methods
• Programming with Python/Matlab

The training programme will prepare the candidate for a broad range of career paths in academia, industry, and beyond. They will also participate in outreach, including Science Festivals and Open Doors events, and benefit from professional development workshops offered by the Institute for Academic Development (IAD).

biology.ed.ac.uk/eastbio/how-to-apply

UKRI-funded studentships are available globally, covering UK tuition fees, a living stipend, and an annual £5,000 research grant for the first three PhD years. EASTBIO DTP limits international students to 30%. Eligibility criteria are as per UKRI guidance.

Apply Now:

• Visit the EASTBIO Webpage to download necessary documents.
• Submit your completed application, EDI survey, and academic transcripts to CIR.Postgraduate@ed.ac.uk by the deadline.
• Ensure references are sent to the same email using the provided form.

EASTBIO will hold online Q&A sessions in November/December 2025. Check the EASTBIO How to Apply webpage for details. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Advert information