About the Project
This fully funded, 4-year PhD project is part of a competition funded by the BBSRC EASTBIO Doctoral Training Partnership.
Living cells continuously sense and respond to changes in their environment through signalling pathways. Understanding how cells adapt to repeated environmental challenges is a fundamental question in modern biology, yet many of the mechanisms governing cellular adaptation remain poorly understood. This project will investigate how mammalian cells respond and adapt to environmental and treatment-related stress at the single-cell level.
The project will combine molecular and cellular biology, live-cell fluorescence measurements and advanced microfluidic (organ-on-chip) technologies to study cellular adaptation (for reference https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01157-23). Microfluidic systems enable accurate control of extracellular conditions while allowing continuous monitoring of cellular responses, making them powerful tools for investigating biological processes.
The student will generate mammalian reporter cell lines expressing genetically encoded fluorescent sensors of calcium signalling and use these models to explore how repeated exposure to environmental stressors influences cellular behaviour.
The project brings together expertise in cell biology, pathology, microfluidics, biological physics and complex systems science through a multidisciplinary supervisory team that includes Profs. Valerie Speirs and Celso Grebogi. The successful candidate will receive extensive interdisciplinary training while addressing fundamental questions in mammalian cell biology.
Applications are welcomed from candidates with backgrounds in biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology or related disciplines. Candidates with backgrounds in physics, mathematics, engineering or computer science and a strong interest in biological systems are equally encouraged to apply.
Project Aims
The PhD will address four main objectives:
- Generate mammalian cell models expressing genetically encoded calcium reporters.
- Develop and perform microfluidic experiments to investigate cellular responses to repeated environmental and treatment-related challenges.
- Characterise changes in cellular state and cell-cycle progression using flow cytometry, fluorescence imaging and complementary biological assays.
- Integrate experimental findings with quantitative approaches to develop a mechanistic understanding of cellular adaptation and signalling dynamics.
Outline Plan and Training Opportunities
The student will receive training in cell culture, molecular cloning, genetic engineering of reporter cell lines, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and image analysis. They will also gain experience in the design, fabrication and operation of microfluidic and organ-on-chip systems using dedicated facilities at the University of Aberdeen.
Depending on interests and background, there will be opportunities to develop expertise in quantitative data analysis, computational biology and mathematical modelling in collaboration with researchers in physics and complex systems. This unique combination of experimental and quantitative training will equip the student with highly transferable skills applicable across academia, biotechnology and the life sciences sector.
This project is available for part-time study (Home/UK students only).
Interested applicants should contact the lead supervisor to discuss the project prior to applying. You can do this by selecting the first listed name at the top of this advert and sending your enquiry. Alternatively, you can search for the supervisor through the University of Aberdeen staff directory and email them directly.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Those with a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) may be considered, provided they have (or are expected to achieve) a Distinction or Commendation at master’s level.
We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team.
All students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on funding for postgraduate training and development. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Terms and conditions for training funding – UKRI.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
For full details and to download the application form, visit: https://biology.ed.ac.uk/eastbio/how-to-apply
Please note that you may only apply for one EASTBIO project.
1. Application submission
Submit your complete application by 23:59 GMT on 16th November 2026 to smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk.
Send your application as a single email with the subject line: “EASTBIO Application – [Your Name]”
2. Required documents
Your application email must include the following:
- Completed EASTBIO application form
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Two references (one reference may be non-academic)
3. References
All references must be provided using the official EASTBIO reference form (available here).
References can be either:
- Included with your application, or
- Sent directly by referees to smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk with the subject line: “EASTBIO Reference – [Your Name]”
All references must be received by 23:59 GMT on 16th November 2026.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure both references are submitted by the deadline, as we cannot request them on your behalf.
Important notes
- No research proposal is required.
- Do not include any additional documents (for example, school certificates, conference papers, or dissertations).
- Incomplete applications or those including unnecessary materials will not be considered.
- Due to workload constraints, we are unable to follow up on missing documents or process incomplete applications.
- All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.
For any questions or assistance with the application process, please contact smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk.
Funding Notes
year PhD project is offered as part of a competition within the EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership. The opportunity is open to both UK and international applicants, although the proportion of international students recruited through the EASTBIO DTP is capped at 30% by UKRI BBSRC.
EASTBIO studentships provide a tax-free UKRI doctoral stipend (estimated at £22,437 for the 2027/28 academic year), a training grant of £5,000 per year for the first three years (and £1,500 in the fourth year), and a travel and conference allowance of £230 per year.
Please note that EASTBIO is unable to fund visa costs or associated healthcare surcharges for international students.