About the Project
A fully funded PhD opportunity to participate in the world-leading research undertaken by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award at the University of Sheffield.
Supervised by Dr Nicola Green and Prof Fred Claeyssens.
The University of Sheffield is one of the leading Russell Group universities in the UK. We carry out cutting-edge research with strong links to industry. When you enrol to do a PhD with us, you will be working with world-leading academics and have access to top of the range facilities. As a PhD student you will have the opportunity to gain skills not only to conduct research, but also to take your career to the next level, whether you want to stay in academia, go into industry or the public sector, or set up your own company. You will have access to a range of training and support services to help you excel in your studies and beyond.
Project Description
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are a primary cause of global disability, affecting approximately 22% of the world's population. As global populations age, the societal and healthcare burden of these conditions is escalating significantly. Unfortunately, current clinical treatments offer limited long-term relief, while the development of new therapeutics is severely limited by a lack of predictive, human-relevant testing platforms. Traditional 2D cell cultures fail to reproduce the complex 3D architecture, biochemical signals, and mechanical forces experienced by cells in living tissue, while animal models suffer from poor physiological translation to human disease, high costs, and major ethical concerns. To accelerate drug discovery there is an urgent unmet need for physiologically relevant 3D human tissue models.
This project also directly supports UK strategic goals to reduce animal testing, and you will be equipped with high-demand practical expertise across 3D bio-printing, advanced tissue culture, material testing, and lab-based drug screening. Mastering these cutting-edge techniques will make you exceptionally competitive for high-value careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technology sectors.
Project Aims and Methodology
In this project, you will refine existing prototype scaffolds into an integrated biphasic model matching the porosity and stiffness of native bone and muscle. You will seed human cell lines across the interface, allowing realistic tissue maturation. After applying dynamic mechanical loading using custom bioreactors, you will use this platform to study tissue crosstalk and validate your model using current MSK therapeutics.
Training and Skill Development
You will gain extensive multidisciplinary skills bridging engineering and life sciences. Specialist technical training will encompass biomaterials manufacturing (3D printing, emulsion templating), advanced material characterisation (scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, mechanical testing), 3D cell culture, histology, immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and bioreactor control.
In addition to project supervision, we offer rigorous research and professional development skills training - including experimental design, data and statistical analysis, time management, and oral and written communication - by the supervisory team and through the Doctoral Development Programme (DDP). There are also opportunities for you to obtain valuable training and experience in areas such as commercial awareness and technology translation or public engagement, science communication and media awareness.
You will become a valued an active member of the wider multidisciplinary biomaterials research network, with the opportunity to influence and lead activities in this network. You will present your work at regular departmental seminars in preparation for taking your work to national and international conferences. We also have a strong community of PhD researchers here to help you to adjust to life as a PhD student.
Supervisory Team and Candidate Profile
You will be co-supervised by Dr. Nicola Green and Prof. Fred Claeyssens within the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering (SCMBE), joining a supportive research environment with links to the INSIGNEO Institute for Healthcare Technology and the Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI).
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds across the physical sciences, biological sciences, or biomedical engineering.
How to apply
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the project supervisors to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application.
Please refer to the EPSRC DLA webpage for detailed information about the EPSRC DLA and how to apply. Applicants must ensure that they use the correct application form linked to the EPSRC DLA webpage and must submit an application for October 2027 entry. The form is unique to the EPSRC DLA. It contains the list of advertised projects from which to select, and three questions specific to the DLA.
The application deadline is 17:00 GMT 13 January 2027.
The majority of our DLA studentships will be allocated to candidates who qualify for Home fee status, in accordance with EPSRC funding regulations which place strict limits on international recruitment.
Funding Notes
The award will fund the full tuition fee and a maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate (currently £21,805 per annum) for 3.5 years, as well as a research grant to support costs associated with the project.
