The University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded EPSRC PhD studentship in Mechanical Engineering. The project focuses on developing actuated microdevices to improve the oral delivery of biological drugs using controlled mechanical stimulation. The studentship is open to UK, EU, and international applicants, with funding available for 3.5 years.
Important Dates / Deadline
- Application Deadline: January 8, 2027
- Study Level: PhD
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Funding Duration: 3.5 years
Organization
- University: University of Birmingham
- Department: Mechanical Engineering
- Supervisor/Contact: Dr. Gerard Cummins
- Funding Body: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Location / Study Destination
Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Who Can Apply
- UK, EU, and international students.
- Applicants with a first-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, applied physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Candidates comfortable with hands-on experimental research and willing to learn laboratory biology.
- Applicants interested in medical devices, microfabrication, and healthcare technology.
Key Benefits / Funding
- Annual Stipend: £21,805, tax-free, at the UKRI minimum rate for 2026/27.
- Tuition Fees: Coverage at the UK tuition fee rate.
- Funding Duration: 3.5 years.
- Research Training Support Grant: Funding for consumables and conference travel.
- Training in cleanroom microfabrication, actuator design, finite element modeling, rheology, ex vivo tissue methods, and cell culture.
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary research in engineering and life sciences.
Main Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A first-class MEng degree in a relevant engineering or applied physics discipline.
- Strong motivation for experimental research and microdevice development.
- Willingness to learn biological laboratory techniques.
- Interest in healthcare technology and drug delivery systems.
Experience with MEMS, actuators, COMSOL, or cell culture is advantageous but not required.
The research involves designing, microfabricating, and testing actuators that deliver controlled mechanical stimulation to intestinal tissue to improve drug transport across gastrointestinal barriers.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should contact Dr. Gerard Cummins for an informal inquiry.
Email: G.Cummins@bham.ac.uk
Include a CV and a short note explaining your interest in the project.
Application Deadline: January 8, 2027.
Documents Needed
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- Short statement explaining your interest in the research project.
Important Notes
- International applicants are eligible, but places are restricted by EPSRC limits on international students within each cohort.
- Applicants eligible for Home fee status include UK citizens, citizens of the Republic of Ireland, and EU citizens with settled status in the UK.
- Funding covers tuition fees at the UK rate. International applicants should clarify any potential tuition fee difference with the University.
- Scholarships are awarded competitively based on applicant strength.
- The project offers research opportunities through the University’s healthcare technology and medical engineering research environment.