Fully-funded PhD studentship available on 3D bioprinted vascular branches reinforced with nanofibre mesh. This is a standard 3.5-year UK PhD. The lack of vascularization is the main bottleneck of bioprinting functional organs. This project aims at developing a vascular tree consisting of arteries, veins, and ureter, for artificial kidney development. You will learn how to operate our novel home-built hybrid 3D bioprinter, which combines hydrogel printing with electrospinning. You will make polymeric solutions for electrospinning and for bioprinting hydrogels, and work with cell cultures. The generated hybrid structures will be characterized by microscopy techniques (SEM, confocal laser scanning microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, etc.) and by assessing the mechanical performance. Within the project you will use state-of-the-art characterization techniques. Half of the work will be carried out at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) in St. Gallen, Switzerland, a material research institute belonging to the ETH domain (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology).
The candidate holds an MSc degree in Material Science, Chemistry, or related disciplines. Experience with cell cultures and excellent English knowledge is required. Knowledge of 3D printing, bioprinting, or electrospinning is advantage.
Further Information:
Research group website: https://www.radacsigroup.co.uk
The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity
Closing Date:
Principal Supervisor:
Assistant Supervisor:
Eligibility:
Minimum entry qualification – a First Class Honours degree at 2:1 (or International equivalent) in materials science, chemical engineering or physics discipline, possibly supported by an MSc degree. Experience in nanotechnology and their characterization techniques is a plus, but not essential. Experience with CAD software is essential. Only UK/EU citizens are eligible to apply.
Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Funding:
EPSRC funded (see EPSRC student eligibility). Tuition fees + stipend available for Home students or EU students who have been resident in the UK for 3 years (International students not eligible)
International students are welcome to apply but external funding must be sourced – please provide details of the funding source you intend to apply to, or details of the funding you have already secured in your application.
