Evaluation of bio-engineered cardiac models for preclinical detection of drug-induced cardiotoxicity of cancer therapeutics (PreDDICCT)

About the Project

Adverse effects upon the cardiac system are a major concern for cancer therapeutics, both in terms of developmental drug attrition and life-threatening delayed clinical toxicities. The prediction of the risk of cardiotoxicity and the clinical management of these toxicities, which may present months or even years after cancer treatment, is inadequate. This is largely because of limited understanding of the mechanisms responsible for these ‘structural’ toxicities and a significant inability of current laboratory models for detection and characterisation. Current in vitro cardiac tissue models primarily consist of two-dimensional cultures, often consisting of a single cell type, rodent as opposed to human cells, exhibiting limited capacity for modification of cardiac stress factors, an inability to represent human clinical tissue, and limited scope for evaluation of the dynamic nature of cardiac tissue. Development of physiologically and structurally representative multicellular human cardiac models, with capacity to reproducibly evaluate the effects of external factors is therefore of the upmost importance to improve our understanding, predictive capacity and clinical management of structural cardiotoxicity.

In this PhD project we will build upon our recently developed bioprinted cardiac tissue model to produce functional multicellular (cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, immune and endothelial cells) models of human heart chambers. We will test the feasibility of this model to respond to physiological change and stresses, e.g. cardiac tissue cellular composition, hypertension (increased fluid pressures), and cellular structural adaption (angiotensin-induced hypertrophy). We will then use these models to evaluate and characterise responses of cardiac tissue to cancer therapeutics, to test and qualify the capabilities of this biomimetic model. This will provide a valuable new tool which will have a profound impact on preclinical drug development studies of cancer therapeutics and the prediction of the development of these effects in patients, so that adverse effects can be prevented or mitigated clinically. As such, this project offers a new research dimension in biology and toxicology, cancer drug development, and innovative engineering, and will bridge the preclinical-clinical gap in our understanding of drug-induced cardiotoxicity.

This studentship offers a unique opportunity to develop research skills, working at the interface of biomedical sciences and engineering. It would be ideal for an honour’s student with a background interest in biomedical science, bioengineering, pharmacology, toxicology or drug discovery, and a passion for developing innovative strategies with a tangible impact on cancer patient care.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.