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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  1. School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  2. PhD/Research
  3. China Scholarship Council Project
  4. Bioelectric control of stromal resilience using piezoelectric biomaterials

Bioelectric control of stromal resilience using piezoelectric biomaterials

Research Group: Chemistry
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 4 Years
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

Funding is provided via the China Scholarship Council.  

  • Available to Chinese applicants only.
  • Applicant required to start in September 2026.
  • The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

In the CREATION Lab at Queen Mary University of London, we study how mechanical and electrical cues jointly regulate stromal cell behaviour in health, fibrosis and regeneration. In this PhD project, we will develop adaptive electroactive materials that convert dynamic physiological mechanical forces into controlled bioelectric signals at the cell–material interface. The student will design and process ferroelectric polymers and hybrid hydrogels, and characterise their electromechanical response (e.g. impedance spectroscopy, piezoresponse force microscopy). These materials will then be used as platforms to probe how bioelectric signals shape stromal cell resilience, combining advanced microscopy with molecular readouts and, where appropriate, transcriptomic approaches (e.g. RNA sequencing) to identify key regulators of cell state. The specific balance between materials development, biophysical characterisation and molecular/cell-biology work will be refined in close collaboration with the student.

Application Method

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Chemistry programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply

Deadline for application – 28th of January 2026

Supervisor Contact Details

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Marc A. Fernández Yagüe

Email: m.fernandez-yague@qmul.ac.uk

Requirements

Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a good honours degree or MSc in Chemistry, Materials Science, Bioengineering, Biophysics or a closely related subject. An interest in biomaterials and in how physical cues regulate cell behaviour is essential. Experience in at least one of the following is desirable but not required: polymer/materials synthesis, electrical/electrochemical characterisation, soft-matter or surface analysis, or cell culture and microscopy.

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) and MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent).
  • You will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all other categories.

SPCS Academics: Dr Marc A. Fernández Yagüe

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