Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher (Experimental)

University College London (UCL) is a globally recognised university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and real-world impact. UCL Mechanical Engineering undertakes pioneering research across healthcare technologies, sustainable fuels, green energy, and advanced manufacturing. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), over 90% of the department’s research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Doctoral researchers benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced experimental facilities, and a strong research training environment.

This position forms part of ThromboRisk, an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network bringing together ten leading European institutions, including UCL, to develop multi-level thrombosis risk prediction models. ThromboRisk integrates mechanobiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, and computational modelling to advance understanding of thrombus formation, growth, rupture, and clinical impact. The network will recruit 18 Doctoral Candidates working within a highly interdisciplinary and international research programme, supported by structured scientific and professional training, Challenge-Based Learning, and close collaboration across the consortium.

The role is hosted within UCL’s Hawkes Institute, which focuses on translating innovative healthcare technologies into clinical solutions that benefit patients.

This 36-month doctoral position focuses on advancing thrombosis research through innovative experimental approaches using microfluidic in vitro models. The project aims to replicate physiologically relevant blood flow conditions to study platelet dynamics, clot formation, and personalised therapeutic strategies. The Doctoral Candidate will design and conduct experiments, develop and use lab-on-chip platforms, and contribute experimental data to support and validate computational models within the wider ThromboRisk framework.

The project will be based at UCL under the supervision of Professor Stavroula Balabani and Professor Vanessa Diaz. The role includes collaboration with clinicians at the Royal Free and Oxford University Hospitals and secondments of three to six months at partner institutions in Europe, providing valuable international research experience. The successful candidate will be registered as a doctoral student in UCL Mechanical Engineering and awarded a PhD from University College London in a relevant experimental biomechanics or engineering discipline.

Applicants should hold a UK-equivalent Master’s degree in Biomedical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Aeronautical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field, and be within four years of full-time equivalent research experience, without holding a doctoral degree. Essential skills include a strong understanding of fluid mechanics, experience in experimental work, instrumentation, programming, and data acquisition and processing, as well as clear written and verbal communication skills. Experience with microfluidics, wet-lab experiments, cell culturing, imaging, or flow diagnostics is highly desirable.

In line with Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility requirements, applicants must not have lived or worked in the UK for more than 12 months in the three years prior to recruitment. The post is fixed-term for 36 months, starting on 1 May 2026 or an agreed date no later than 1 September 2026. Total annual remuneration ranges from £36,530 to £47,630, depending on eligibility. UCL offers a wide range of staff benefits; further details are available via the UCL Rewards and Benefits webpages.

As London’s Global University, UCL is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from candidates underrepresented in its workforce. UCL Mechanical Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of its commitment to advancing gender equality.

International applicants motivated to pursue experimental doctoral research within a structured European Marie Skłodowska-Curie network are encouraged to apply by following the APPLY button and submitting a supporting statement demonstrating how they meet the selection criteria.

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