PhD Research Studentships

Directing the assembly of cell spheroids via 3D bioprinting for cartilage tissue engineering

Supervisor: Josephine WU
Apply by:4 January 2026
Start in:September (Semester 1)

Description

A studentship in cartilage tissue engineering is available in the group of Dr Josephine Wu at Queen Mary University of London, with an envisioned start date in September 2026.

Project description

Tissue engineering aims to create living tissues that could eventually be used as personalised grafts or as better models for studying human biology. Most methods involve placing cells in a scaffolding material and providing instructive cues to encourage tissue matrix production. While this strategy has led to important advances, it remains challenging to recreate tissues which match the structure, organisation and function seen in the body. Developmental biology shows that tissues form through precisely coordinated spatial and temporal signals that guide cell differentiation and organisation. Incorporating similar forms of patterning into next generation engineered tissues is therefore an emerging priority, with the potential to create constructs that more closely reflect the composition, architecture and function of their in vivo counterparts.

We are particularly interested in the cartilage-bone interface (the osteochondral unit), which develops through controlled biochemical gradients that produce a gradual transition from articular cartilage to calcified cartilage to mineralised bone. Reproducing this organisation in engineered tissues could transform our ability to study joint development and disease, leading to better strategies for repair and regeneration.

The overall goal of this project is to develop a biofabrication strategy that uses human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) spheroids and bioprinted gradients of instructive cues to guide the formation of osteochondral-like tissues. The project will aim to:

  1. Develop a framework for using hiPSC spheroids as biological building blocks, screening factors which can differentially direct chondroprogenitor fate.
  2. Incorporate key factors into an established bioprinting platform in which instructive cues are patterned alongside cell spheroids as they assemble into an integrated osteochondral construct.
  3. Following model validation, explore how disrupted cartilage-bone crosstalk contributes to the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis.

Candidate profile

We are looking for candidates who hold a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline. Previous experience in 3D (bio)printing, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and/or cell culture would be desirable but not essential. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to fine tune the project based on individual interests and skills.

Funding

Funded by: EPSRC
Studentship is for 42 months at the UKRI rate.

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 Josephine WU.

Apply

Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD FT Medical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-700" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Keywords:Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering