3D Bioprinting of Liver Organoids: Exploring Multicellular Support for Hepatocyte Function

Award details

This PhD project will focus on the development of advanced 3D-bioprinted liver organoids to support and sustain hepatocyte function for future therapeutic applications. Primary human hepatocytes rapidly lose function when cultured in isolation. To overcome this, the project will investigate how co-culturing hepatocytes with supportive cell types, such as endothelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, or other liver-resident populations, can enhance and prolong liver-specific function.

The student will use state-of-the-art 3D bioprinting techniques to fabricate complex constructs containing hepatocyte aggregates or multicellular organoids embedded within tailored biomaterials. Key research questions include whether supportive cell types can improve hepatocyte viability and function, and how increasing cell density within constructs affects performance without compromising functionality.

The project will be based in the Mowat Lab, located at King’s College Hospital, a unique translational research environment that brings together clinicians, surgeons, and basic scientists to improve treatments for paediatric patients. The Dhawan Lab is a world-leading translational group that develops and manufactures cell therapies for treating paediatric liver disease.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to next-generation liver tissue engineering in a clinically focused research setting.

For any queries, please contact the following:

Jessica Nulty - jessica.nulty@kcl.ac.uk (Project/Academic queries)
Shaleem Grant - SIMS-Student_Queries@kcl.ac.uk (application/technical queries)

Award value

Full Studentship for 3 years including stipend at £22,780 per annum.

Sponsor: King’s College Hospital Charity
Entry: October 2025
Study mode: Full-time

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in a relevant science subject, or demonstrate equivalent research experience in a related field.
• Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours in an appropriate subject. A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a Master's degree with Merit or above.
• Meet the English language requirements at Language Band D
• Self-identify as belonging to an ethnic minority group that is underrepresented in science.

Applicants must be UK-permanent residents who are eligible for home fees and self-identify as belonging to an ethnic minority group that is underrepresented in science.

If you identify as being from an ethnic minority background underrepresented in scientific research, you are warmly encouraged to apply for this studentship.

Application process

Please apply via https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/

• Register a new account and login.
• Open a new application selecting a preferred entry date in accordance with the advert
• Search for the Full/Part Time programme …

Immunology and Microbial Science Research MPhil/PhD Full-Time

• Complete and submit your application including the following:
  • Include a supporting personal statement
  • References
  • CV
  • Indicate the supervisor’s name and project title when prompted during the application.
• For funding, please select option 5 and type the Award scheme name: KCHC2526AD

Once you have applied you will need to follow admissions’ instructions and return their requested documents before your application can be passed to the school’s operations officer (education) for processing. Eligible candidates will be shortlisted and selected for a formal interview.

Please note, that the applications portal deadlines are for admissions to receive applications only and are separate to the closing date stated on this advert.