Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher (Experimental) Full-time

Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher (Experimental)

University College London (UCL) is one of the world's leading universities, renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and real-world impact. UCL Mechanical Engineering conducts pioneering research in healthcare technologies, sustainable fuels, green energy, and advanced manufacturing. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), over 90% of our research was rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent.” As a PhD student, you'll benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, high-performance computing, and world-class research training.

ThromboRisk is an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network bringing together 10 leading European institutions, including UCL, to develop multi-level thrombosis risk prediction models. This ambitious project combines mechanobiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, and computational modeling to advance understanding of thrombus formation, growth, rupture, and clinical impact.

The network will recruit 18 Doctoral Candidates (DCs), each contributing unique research to an integrated platform tackling thrombosis—a major global health challenge. You will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment with access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise across Europe. Training includes advanced scientific and professional courses, Challenge-Based Learning, and close collaboration with supervisors, stakeholders, and the wider ThromboRisk consortium.

This position is part of UCL's Hawkes Institute, which focuses on translating innovative healthcare technologies into clinical solutions that benefit patients.

University College London invites applications for a 36-month funded doctoral position focused on advancing thrombosis research through innovative microfluidic in vitro models. This project aims to replicate blood flow conditions to study platelet dynamics, clot formation, and personalized therapeutic strategies. You will design and conduct experiments, validate computational models, and contribute to the development of lab-on-chip platforms for precision medicine.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Mechanical, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics, with knowledge or experience in experimental fluid mechanics. The position offers supervision by Professors Stavroula Balabani and Vanessa Diaz, collaboration with clinicians at Royal Free and Oxford University Hospitals, and secondments to leading European institutions (3–6 months).

Please note this is a fixed-term role for a period of 36 months, starting on 1st May 2026 or an agreed date, but no later than the 1st of September 2026.

We are keen to receive applications from candidates holding a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Aeronautical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline. You should be in the first four years of your research career and must not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree.

A solid understanding of fluid mechanics is essential, as is experience in experimentation, instrumentation, programming, and data acquisition and processing. You will demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficiency in English, and the ability to present your work effectively. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines are key. You should be committed to professional development, equality of opportunity, and willing to travel and work across Europe.

Experience with microfluidics, cell culturing, wet lab experiments, imaging, and flow diagnostics is highly desirable and will allow you to make an even greater impact on the project.

In line with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility requirements, you must not have lived or worked in the UK for more than 12 months in the three years prior to your recruitment date. It is essential that all applicants include a supporting statement, with examples, that clearly demonstrates how they meet the criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

Based on pension status and dependent allowance, the total annual remuneration offered for this fellowship falls within the range of £36,530 to £47,630.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.