PhD studentship: Continuous hormone monitoring using wearable biosensing platforms

About the Project

Vacancy information

The Department of Chemical Engineering at University College London (UCL) is one of the leading departments in the UK, with an international reputation for research excellence and impact. Research in the department spans molecular-scale phenomena through to device and process systems engineering, with a strong focus on addressing global challenges in health, sustainability, and advanced technologies.

The Department is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to work on the development of next-generation wearable biosensing technologies for continuous biochemical monitoring. The project focuses on the design and integration of minimally invasive microneedle-based platforms for real-time measurement of hormones in interstitial fluid, with an initial focus on cortisol as a model system and potential extension to additional steroid hormones such as testosterone and progesterone.

The studentship is fully funded for 4 years, starting in October 2026, or later.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first candidates received being evaluated first.

Studentship description

Continuous biochemical monitoring has the potential to transform personalized healthcare by enabling real-time insight into physiological state beyond what is possible with conventional laboratory testing. Hormones play a central role in regulating stress, metabolism, reproduction, and endocrine health, yet are currently measured only through intermittent sampling.

This PhD project will develop a wearable microneedle-based sensing platform capable of continuous or semi-continuous hormone monitoring in interstitial fluid. The research will integrate concepts from transport phenomena, biointerfaces, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensing chemistry, and device engineering to create a robust and scalable monitoring system.

A key objective is to move beyond point sensing towards fully integrated systems where fluid access, MIP-based molecular recognition, signal transduction, and calibration strategies operate together as a coupled system. The project will explore fundamental and applied aspects of these processes, with scope for the student to shape the balance between experimental work, modelling, and device development depending on their background and interests.

Person specification

We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, including Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Applied Physics, as well as other related interdisciplinary STEM fields.

The ideal candidate will be motivated by interdisciplinary research at the interface of engineering, biology, and healthcare technologies. Prior experience in areas such as biosensing, microfluidics, wearable devices, soft materials, polymer chemistry or molecular imprinting, electrochemistry, or biomedical instrumentation is welcome but not essential.

We are looking for a candidate who is curious, self-driven, and interested in developing new technologies for healthcare and real-world impact. Strong analytical thinking, together with a willingness to work across disciplinary boundaries, will be highly valued.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold (or be expected to obtain) a first-class degree at the MEng or MSc level, or an equivalent qualification.

To apply

Applications should be submitted through the provided link. Please nominate Dr Marco Gigantino as supervisor and include a statement of interest.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Marco Gigantino at marco.gigantino@ucl.ac.uk