PhD Studentship: Microstructural, chemical and biological characterization of hydraulic cements for vital pulp therapy

University of Birmingham - School of Dentistry

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Birmingham
Funding for: UK Students
Funding amount: Not Specified
Hours: Full Time

Placed On: 9th October 2025
Closes: 9th January 2026

A funded PhD studentship is available to join the Professor Josette Camilleri, Clinical Professor of Endodontics and Applied Materials in a research project focused on the microstructural, chemical, and biological characterization of hydraulic cements for vital pulp therapy within the field of endodontics. Professor Camilleri (J.Camilleri@bham.ac.uk) is a world-renowned expert on hydraulic cements used in endodontics. This project will be co-supervised by Professor Galler from Erlangen University and Professor El Haj, from Institute of Translational Medicine. The research project will span over 4 years full time.

The project aims to:
• Advance material characterization techniques specific to dental applications.
• Provide extensive biological training for the PhD student, equipping them with the skills to conduct high-level research in dental materials.
• Produce high-impact publications that contribute to the global understanding of endodontic materials.

Project Timeline
• Year 1: Material characterization and basic biology training.
• Years 2 & 3: Intensive biology training, focusing on the application of hydraulic cements in endodontics.
• Year 4: Completion of the PhD write-up, submission of the thesis, and finalization of any outstanding publications.

Funding notes:
This funded PhD is open for UK students only. Both clinicians and non-clinicians are invited to apply.
Please contact Professor Josette Camilleri on J.Camilleri@bham.ac.uk for further details on this call.

References:
Ohlsson E, Galler KM, Widbiller M. A Compilation of Study Models for Dental Pulp Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Nov 18;23(22):14361.
Schmalz G, Galler KM. Biocompatibility of biomaterials - Lessons learned and considerations for the design of novel materials. Dent Mater. 2017 Apr;33(4):382-393.
Camilleri J, Atmeh A, Li X, Meschi N. Present status and future directions: Hydraulic materials for endodontic use. Int Endod J. 2022 May;55 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):710-777.
Camilleri J. Hydration characteristics of Biodentine and Theracal used as pulp capping materials. Dent Mater. 2014 Jul;30(7):709-15.
Ali N, Scheven BA, Palin WM, Camilleri J. Proposing new standards for testing solubility of pulp preservation materials. Dent Mater. 2024 Aug;40(8):1252-1258.