PhD Studentship in Mechanical Engineering: Engineering a Synovium-on-a-Chip Platform for Human-Relevant Inflammation Studies

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

This PhD will develop a Synovium-on-a-Chip, using 3D bioprinting, microfluidic engineering, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to create a dynamic, perfused system that mimics the human synovial environment. The platform will allow us to test how gut-derived immune signals influence joint inflammation, providing an advanced tool for disease modelling and drug discovery. 

We are seeking an enthusiastic, curious, and motivated student with: 

• practical experience in microfluidics and/or CAD, CFD modelling, cell culture, biomaterials, or biological assay techniques. 
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

As part of the iCASE programme, you will undertake a three-month placement at Aelius Biotech, gaining experience in translational research, regulatory pathways, and commercialisation. 

Number Of Awards: 1

Start Date: 1st October 2026

Award Duration: 4 Years

Sponsor: EPSRC  

Supervisors:

Dr Priscila Melo 

Dr Francesco Zonta 

Prof Catharien Hilkens 

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

Please read and complete this document as your Personal statement, and upload this with your application. Applications which do not include this document will not be considered. Further details can be found here. 

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal via the 'Apply' button above.

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’. 

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study: 

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: Choose from here: 8090F 
• select ‘PhD Mechancial and Systems engineering (full time) - MECH8090 (FT)' as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section: 

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – Use this template. 
• the studentship code DLA2605 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field. 
• when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.    

Contact Details: priscila.melo@newcastle.ac.uk.  

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

Advert information