PhD Studentship: Engineering Bioinstructive Materials to Guide Immune–Bone Regeneration

Newcastle University - Department of Engineering

Qualification Type:PhDLocation:Newcastle upon TyneFunding for:UK Students, EU Students, International StudentsFunding amount:£20,780 living allowance + FeesHours:Full TimePlaced On:1st December 2025Closes:18th February 2026Reference:DLA2619

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

Bone regeneration relies on more than bone growth; it depends on a complex dialogue between immune and skeletal cells. When this communication falters, healing slows or fails. This PhD will explore how mechanical and topographical cues such as stiffness, nano-roughness, and viscoelasticity govern immune–bone interactions through mechanotransduction pathways.

The goal is to design bio-instructive materials that actively direct immune and bone cells toward regeneration. These will be characterised using AFM and rheology, followed by immune–osteogenic co-culture studies to evaluate mechanotransductive signalling. The resulting data will inform mathematical models linking material mechanics to biological responses, enabling the sustainable design of next-generation regenerative materials.

This interdisciplinary project combines mechanical, materials, and biomedical engineering, offering training across fabrication, nanomechanical analysis, and computational biology. It contributes to more predictive and reproducible approaches in regenerative medicine, reducing reliance on animal models and advancing mechanobiology-informed materials design.

We seek a motivated, creative, and curious PhD candidate excited to bridge disciplines and co-develop this research. You will join a collaborative and internationally active Regenerative Engineering Group, with scope to shape the project according to your strengths.

Essential skills and qualities:

• Degree in Mechanical, Materials, or Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Interest in biomaterials, mechanobiology, or modelling.
• Familiarity with computational tools (Matlab, Python, or finite element analysis).
• Analytical thinking and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable:

• Experience in biomaterials fabrication or characterisation (AFM, rheology, microscopy)
• Interest in cell–material interactions or immune signalling

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

1st October 2026

Award Duration

4 Years

Sponsor

EPSRC

Supervisors

Dr. Ana Ferreira-Duarte

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

For information on how to apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.