CellQ-Twin: A Soft Robotic Platform for Multiaxial and Rhythmic Mechanobiology

Cells experience continuous mechanical forces that regulate their behaviour and function. Understanding how cells respond to these forces is essential for investigating disease mechanisms and developing new therapies. This PhD will advance CellQ-Twin, a soft robotic cell stretching platform, to reproduce physiological and pathological mechanical environments in vitro, enabling disease modelling and therapeutic discovery.<br /> <br /> The successful candidate will work across engineering and life sciences to:<br /> - Develop a next-generation platform capable of delivering programmable multiaxial and rhythmic mechanical loading alongside controlled environmental stimuli.<br /> - Integrate optically transparent printed conductors within elastomeric substrates to enable real-time strain monitoring during live-cell experiments.<br /> - Investigate cellular responses to physiological and pathological loading using advanced imaging, molecular biology and functional assays, focusing on cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and cranial suture mechanobiology.<br /> - Advance translation and commercialisation by improving scalability, usability and compatibility with existing laboratory infrastructure.<br /> <br /> Working with interdisciplinary academic and industrial partners, the student will develop expertise in soft robotics, advanced manufacturing and mechanobiology. The project aims to deliver an accessible and versatile research platform that improves disease modelling, supports therapeutic development and reduces reliance on animal experiments.<br />

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Background</strong><br /> Mechanical forces play a fundamental role in regulating cellular behaviour, tissue development and disease progression. However, existing cell stretching systems are often expensive and limited in their ability to reproduce complex physiological loading conditions. There is a need for accessible, versatile platforms that enable precise control and monitoring of mechanical stimuli during live-cell experiments. CellQ-Twin addresses this gap by combining programmable soft robotic actuation with integrated strain sensing. This project will enable researchers to investigate cellular responses to physiological and pathological mechanical environments, advancing disease modelling, therapeutic discovery and the development of alternatives to animal experimentation.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Methodology</strong><br /> The student will employ an interdisciplinary approach combining soft robotics, advanced manufacturing and experimental mechanobiology. The platform will be developed using CAD, elastomer fabrication and actuator characterisation, with transparent conductors integrated through digital aerosol jet printing. Mechanical performance will be evaluated through strain measurement and controlled loading experiments. Biological validation will involve cell culture under physiological and pathological loading conditions, followed by microscopy, live-cell imaging and molecular assays, including qPCR and ELISA. The student will receive training and access to specialist facilities within the Healthcare Mechatronics, Advanced Manufacturing and collaborating biological laboratories.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Skills Required</strong><br /> Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline. A strong interest in interdisciplinary research spanning engineering and biological sciences is essential. Experience in CAD, experimental design, prototyping or laboratory-based research is desirable. Knowledge of soft robotics, advanced manufacturing, sensors or cell culture would be advantageous but is not essential, as comprehensive training will be provided. The successful candidate should demonstrate creativity, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.<br />  </p> <p><strong>Industry/external partners</strong><br /> The project will benefit from established collaborations with Associate Professor Serena Zacchigna (ICGEB, Trieste, Italy), providing expertise in cardiovascular mechanobiology and experimental validation, and Associate Professor Erwin Pauws (University College London, UK), supporting cranial suture mechanobiology and disease modelling. Industrial engagement with CAL-TIC will support commercialisation and technology translation. Existing relationships with Nanion Technologies and Novo Nordisk will provide opportunities for industrial engagement and knowledge exchange, supporting the development of a scalable platform aligned with the needs of mechanobiology researchers.</p> <p> </p>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">make a formal application for research degree study through the University's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <ul> <li>For <strong>‘Application type’</strong> please select <strong>‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’. </strong></li> <li>The <strong>admission year</strong> for this project is<strong> 2027/28 Academic Year.</strong></li> <li>You will need to select your <strong>‘Planned Course of Study’</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>‘EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine)’ </strong></li> <li>The project start date for this project is <strong>01/10/2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. </li> <li>Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>‘CellQ-Twin: A Soft Robotic Platform for Multiaxial and Rhythmic Mechanobiology’ </strong>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/465/dr-ali-alazmani">Dr Ali Alazmani</a> as your proposed supervisor.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the finance section that the funding you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2027/28: Mechanical Engineering.</strong></p> <p>You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project. </p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 18 November 2026 or at the point you submit your application:</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 in the School of Mechanical Engineering should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. 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 supervisor or Admissions Team 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 (DLA) providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (currently £21,805 in academic session 2026/27) for 3.5 years and rising annually, in line with standard UKRI rates. Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. </p> <p><br /> <strong>Competition funded  </strong></p> <ul> <li>"Competition funded" means that we advertise a larger number of projects than available awards. Not all projects advertised for this funding opportunity will receive funding. The selection panel will consider all applications received across the full range of advertised projects and select the awardee/s based on the strength of their application. </li> </ul> <p><br /> <strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /> <strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li class="MsoNoSpacing">Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered. </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2027.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul> <p><br /> If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UK fees/funding, please see our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page.</a></p> <p> </p>

<p>For further information please contact the PGR Admissions Engineering and Physical Sciences team on this email address: <a href="http://phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk/">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>If you are interested in this project or have any questions, please contact the project supervisor <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/465/dr-ali-alazmani">Dr Ali Alazmani </a>on this address: <a href="mailto:A.Alazmani@leeds.ac.uk">A.Alazmani@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>