PhD Studentship: Designing Photocurable Resins for High-Resolution DLP Printing of Ultrasoft Hydrogels

Research organisation: University of Nottingham
Application deadline: 10 December 2026
Start date: October 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Funding: Fully funded DLA PhD studentship supported by EPSRC

Project Description

Cells sense and respond to the stiffness of their surroundings. Matrix stiffness influences cell spreading, mechanotransduction and stem cell differentiation. Many soft tissues, such as brain and liver, have moduli below 10 kPa. Hydrogels that replicate this softness within precisely defined 3D architectures are therefore valuable for tissue engineering and in vitro tissue models. Digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing can fabricate complex hydrogel structures rapidly and at high resolution. Achieving such resolution with very soft hydrogels, however, remains challenging. Their dilute, loosely crosslinked networks are prone to overcuring during printing. They also swell substantially after printing, which distorts fine features and alters the final dimensions and stiffness of the construct. As a result, many DLP-printable hydrogels are considerably stiffer than the tissues they aim to mimic.

This project will develop new resin formulations that enable high-resolution DLP printing of ultrasoft hydrogels. Working at the interface of polymer chemistry and additive manufacturing, the student will design reactive crosslinkers and photocurable resins, and establish clear links between resin chemistry, swelling behaviour, print fidelity and mechanical properties. Supervision by experts in polymer chemistry and 3D printing will provide broad training in synthesis, photopolymerisation, mechanical characterisation and DLP printing. This combination offers a strong foundation for a career in biomaterials or advanced manufacturing.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applications are welcomed from candidates with a background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, and with a strong interest in sustainable chemistry and pharmaceutical formulation.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact: Dr Vincenzo Taresco: vincenzo.taresco@nottingham.ac.uk and Dr Yinfeng He: yinfeng.he@nottingham.ac.uk. Full supervisory team: Dr Vincenzo Taresco, Dr Yinfeng He, Dr Robert Owen and Prof Ross Denton.

Formal applications should include a CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts. These should be submitted via email to Dr Taresco and through the University of Nottingham’s online application system by clicking on the apply button above, selecting “Chemistry” as the School and listing Dr Vincenzo Taresco as supervisor.

Funding

This PhD is eligible for EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award funding. Once a suitable PhD candidate is identified, they will be put forward for consideration for funding at a Faculty of Science-level. Please note that funding is not guaranteed and is subject to a competitive review. Funding outcomes will be communicated in March 2027.

The award covers Home fees and provides an annual stipend (£21,805 for 26/27). International candidates may apply and, if successful, would receive a University of Nottingham Fee Difference scholarship to cover the difference between Home and International fee rates.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Experience in polymer synthesis or 3D-prinitng are beneficial but not essential.

Candidates whose first language is not English must meet the University’s minimum language requirements (IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5).

Keywords: Polymer chemistry; 3D-printing; reactive crosslinkers; responsive resins