PhD Studentship: Actuated microdevices for oral delivery of biologics
University of Birmingham
Most biological drugs cannot be given orally because of their poor oral bioavailability, necessitating delivery by injection instead. This is because features of the gastrointestinal tract that prevent infection, such as a thick mucus layer and tight epithelial junctions, also block large therapeutic molecules. Researchers have investigated various techniques to overcome these barriers, such as chemical permeation enhancers, ultrasound, and microneedles. Studies have also shown that mechanical stimulation via na...
Most biological drugs cannot be given orally because of their poor oral bioavailability, necessitating delivery by injection instead. This is because features of the gastrointestinal tract that prevent infection, such as a thick mucus layer and tight epithelial junctions, also block large therapeutic molecules. Researchers have investigated various techniques to overcome these barriers, such as chemical permeation enhancers, ultrasound, and microneedles. Studies have also shown that mechanical stimulation via na...
Opportunity details
Most biological drugs cannot be given orally because of their poor oral bioavailability, necessitating delivery by injection instead. This is because features of the gastrointestinal tract that prevent infection, such as a thick mucus layer and tight epithelial junctions, also block large therapeutic molecules. Researchers have investigated various techniques to overcome these barriers, such as chemical permeation enhancers, ultrasound, and microneedles. Studies have also shown that mechanical stimulation via nanostructured surfaces can temporarily open tight junctions, allowing large therapeutic molecules to cross. However, this method does not overcome the mucus barrier. This project will investigate which mechanical stimulus, delivered actively and under control, best moves a drug across the intestinal wall, and how. You will design, microfabricate and characterise an actuator that delivers a mechanical stimulus to intestinal tissue with independent control over vibration parameters to exploit the shear-thinning and thixotropic behaviour of mucus. This work will incorporate mucus rheology, microfabrication and testing the resulting device on suitable benchtop intestinal models. You will gain experience in cleanroom microfabrication, actuator design and characterisation, finite element modelling, rheology, ex vivo tissue methods and cell culture. You will work across engineering and life sciences. The University is uniquely positioned to benefit any applicant interested in a future career in healthcare technology. The University emphasises the clinical translation of innovative research to ensure real-world impact through the Healthcare Technologies Institute and the Precision Healthcare Technology Accelerator. The School of Engineering also has an established Medi...
Eligibility
You will gain experience in cleanroom microfabrication, actuator design and characterisation, finite element modelling, rheology, ex vivo tissue methods and cell culture. The University is uniquely positioned to benefit any applicant interested in a future career in healthcare technology. We seek applications from highly motivated students graduating with a first-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, applied physics, or a closely related subject. Experience with MEMS, actuators, COMSOL, or cell culture is welcome but not required.
Requirements
You will gain experience in cleanroom microfabrication, actuator design and characterisation, finite element modelling, rheology, ex vivo tissue methods and cell culture. The University is uniquely positioned to benefit any applicant interested in a future career in healthcare technology. We seek applications from highly motivated students graduating with a first-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, applied physics, or a closely related subject. Experience with MEMS, actuators, COMSOL, or cell culture is welcome but not required.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805. This is a fully funded EPSRC studentship covering tuition fees at the UK rate and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum (£21,805 per year for 2026/27), for 3.5 years. A research training support grant covers consumables and conference travel.
Required documents
CV, References
How to apply
We seek applications from highly motivated students graduating with a first-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, applied physics, or a closely related subject. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in Engineering including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic. Please contact Dr Gerard Cummins at G.Cummins@bham.ac.uk with a CV and a short note on why the project interests you.
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Recorded source check: September 25, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805. This is a fully funded EPSRC studentship covering tuition fees at the UK rate and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum (£21,805 per year for 2026/27), for 3.5 years. A research training support grant covers consumables and conference travel.
Eligibility summary
You will gain experience in cleanroom microfabrication, actuator design and characterisation, finite element modelling, rheology, ex vivo tissue methods and cell culture. The University is uniquely positioned to benefit any applicant interested in a future career in healthcare technology. We seek applications from highly motivated students graduating with a first-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, applied physics, or a closely related subject. Experience with MEMS, actuators, COMSOL, or cell culture is welcome but not required.
Requirements
You will gain experience in cleanroom microfabrication, actuator design and characterisation, finite element modelling, rheology, ex vivo tissue methods and cell culture. The University is uniquely positioned to benefit any applicant interested in a future career in healthcare technology. We seek applications from highly motivated students graduating with a first-class MEng degree in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, applied physics, or a closely related subject. Experience with MEMS, actuators, COMSOL, or cell culture is welcome but not required.
Documents required
CV, References
Language/test requirements
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