PhD Studentship in Chemical Engineering - Electrochemical Biosensors for point-of-care Monitoring of Life-threatening Cell Breakdown in Blood Cancers

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided.

Overview

The rapid breakdown of malignant haematologic cells (i.e., blood cancers) either spontaneously or following therapy, known as tumour lysis syndrome (TLS), is a life-threatening oncologic emergency. For high-risk patients, the levels of critical biomarkers (e.g., uric acid, potassium, and phosphate) must be monitored every 4-6 hours. This is currently achieved through frequent blood draws and laboratory analyses that are not only invasive and resource-intensive but also lack the temporal resolution required for prompt clinical intervention, leading to preventable deaths in TLS patients. While wearable biosensors show great promise for real-time and non-invasive monitoring of diverse biomarkers, there is currently no biosensor that can reliably detect key TLS biomarkers. 

This PhD project will focus on developing novel biosensors that integrate platform sensing technology with tailored electroactive materials to enable precise and reliable detection of key TLS-related biomarkers using robust, user-friendly electrochemical methods. Early detection and timely intervention of TLS will prevent organ dysfunction and mortality, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Given the high healthcare costs associated with TLS management (e.g., hospitalisation, medications, laboratory testing, and monitoring), point-of-care monitoring has the potential to significantly reduce inpatient time, alleviate pressure on the NHS, and lead to substantial healthcare savings.

This studentship is ideal for candidates passionate about applying engineering innovation to address unmet clinical needs. During your PhD, you will gain the practical skills needed to drive innovation in designing the next generation of biosensors using advanced materials. You will be supported by a multidisciplinary supervisory team with extensive expertise in novel materials design, data science, and the clinical management of TLS. You will develop expertise in electrochemical biosensor design and development, progressing the technology toward clinical readiness. You will help strengthen the UK’s leadership in point-of-care diagnostics for cancer-related emergencies while building valuable expertise at the health–engineering interface. 

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

1st October 2026

Award Duration

4 years

Application Closing Date

18th February 2026 

Sponsor

EPSRC  

Supervisors

Dr Shayan Seyedin 

Dr Simon Bomken 

Dr Amir Enshaei 

Eligibility Criteria

We are adopting a contextual admissions process. This means we will consider other key competencies and experience alongside your academic qualifications. An example can be found here. 

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification may not be required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss flexibilities and request an exemption.

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How To Apply

For information on how to apply, please see Postgraduate Funding Search | Newcastle University

Contact Details

Dr Shayan Seyedin shayan.seyedin@newcastle.ac.uk 

You can also contact: doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk for independent advice on your application. 

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