Smart Biomaterials for Controlled Drug Release, Medical Diagnostics and Surgical Therapeutic Applications

Smart biomaterials are revolutionising the way clinicians and surgeons treat diseases, deliver drugs, and monitor health in real-time. In this research theme, you’ll explore how cutting-edge materials can be engineered to interact intelligently with the human body, responding to stimuli such as light, pH, temperature, or enzymes to perform with precision exactly where and when they’re needed in the human body. <br /> <br /> Our research group bridges materials science, bioengineering, and medicine, with real-world applications in:<br /> • Targeted drug/gene delivery for cancer, infections, or chronic diseases<br /> • Wearable and implantable diagnostics, using biosensing materials to monitor health markers in real-time.<br /> • Regenerative therapies, where materials not only deliver drugs but also guide tissue healing or cell behaviour.<br /> <br /> We have one PhD project, offering students the opportunity to design and create a biocompatible drug/gene delivery prototype that can be integrated into existing medical devices such as cochlear implants and pacemakers. <br /> <br /> Project Title: Photothermal Hydrogels for Localised, On-Demand Drug/Gene Delivery<br /> This project focuses on the formulation and optimisation of smart hydrogels that respond to near-infrared (NIR) light, enabling precise, targeted, and controllable drug/gene release. It provides a unique opportunity to apply materials science in the context of real-world healthcare innovation and is conducted in collaboration with the Otology Department at Cambridge University Hospitals Trust.<br />

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply to this programme code, your application will not be considered) and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Smart Biomaterials for Controlled Drug Release, Medical Diagnostics and Surgical Therapeutic Applications</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-engineering-physical-sciences/staff/14201/dr-wan-ting-sow">Dr Wang Tin Sow</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Chemical & Process Engineering</strong></em>.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Monday 30 March 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 30 March 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentship offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £20,780 for academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please note that there is only 2 funded places available to UK applicants only and this project is in competition with at least 2 other projects to secure this funding. Please note that whilst you may be successful in securing an academic offer for any project linked to this funding opportunity, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Wan Ting Sow by email to <a href="http://z.lu@leeds.ac.uk%20/">w.t.sow@leeds.ac.uk </a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="http://phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk/">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>