PhD Research Studentships
Biochemist, Chemical Engineer, Materials Scientist. Self-Assembly of Engineered Proteins for Tissue Engineering
| Supervisor: | Julien GAUTROT |
| Apply by: | 28 January 2026 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
A studentship is available in the Centre for Molecular Biochemical Engineering, in the group of Prof Julien Gautrot, in the field of protein engineering, soft matter science and application for biomaterials design for tissue engineering. The proposed project will focus on the development of novel hydrogels mimicking extra cellular matrix with controlled physical properties, including nanoscale mechanical properties and microporosity, combining protein engineering and microdroplet microfluidic techniques. These synthetic engineered hydrogels will display defined biochemical cues (cell-matrix adhesion, cell-mediated degradation, matrix remodelling) synergising with physical cues to regulate the phenotype of stem cells for applications in cell therapies. The materials designed will be injectable, 3D printable and patternable. This new toolkit of materials and patterning platforms will enable the design of advanced stem cell delivery systems harnessing cell phenotype to promote tissue repair. This project will be integrated with other projects in the Gautrot lab, focusing on the development of biomaterials and biomimetic hydrogels as instructive microenvironment for stem cell technologies (http://biointerfaces.qmul.ac.uk/). Our research group has a strong track-record in the field of materials sciences and biotechnologies: the design and synthesis of biomaterials, their application as smart materials, their microfabrication and application to regulate cell phenotype (see our publications, including in Nature Materials, Nature Cell Biology and Nature Communications). The successful candidate will join our multidisciplinary team and build a strong expertise in the fields of bioengineering, materials chemistry and regenerative medicine
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Julien GAUTROT.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD FT Biomedical Materials full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-696" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://www.seresearch.qmul.ac.uk/bioengineering |
| Keywords: | Biological Sciences - Other, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science - Other, Tissue Engineering |