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Rapid Host Response Testing For Infection Severity

817 views

Program

PhD

Type

Position

Arrangement

On-site

Funding

Fully Funded

Deadline

08 Dec 2026

Posted

28 Mar 2026

Description This PhD project addresses a critical global health challenge by developing next-generation point-of-care diagnostic technologies for rapid host response testing. The project focuses on creating portable diagnostic platforms capable of measuring panels of host response biomarkers to predict infection severity and guide treatment decisions in resource-limited settings, conflict zones, and humanitarian deployments.

The core technology involves lab-in-fibre microfluidics, where miniaturised assay environments are created within optical fibres. This approach allows small sample volumes to be manipulated, exposed to functional surfaces, and interrogated optically within a single compact platform. By combining multiplexed biomarker capture with advanced optical readout and data-driven analysis, the technology enables rapid, portable, and information-rich host response testing outside conventional laboratory settings.

The project builds on emerging biomarker datasets that have identified promising candidates with greater specificity and predictive power than traditional markers like CRP, MxA, or procalcitonin. These new biomarkers offer opportunities to support early triage and improve clinical decision-making if they can be effectively measured outside labs.

Students will develop expertise in three major areas: engineering novel devices using the latest developments in optoelectronics (optical fibre engineering), hands-on bioassay development (diagnostic testing and measurement science), and driving innovation through understanding clinical problems and bridging healthcare technology to defence applications.





The project is based at the University of Southampton's Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, with supervision from Dr Al Edwards, Professor Chris Holmes, and Professor Tom Wilkinson. It's part of a CDT program selected for the TechExpert funding pilot, offering enhanced financial support including a £31,000 annual stipend plus substantial research budget.

Related Topics

Materials SciencePharmacologyChemistryAnimal and Human NutritionPlant Fertilizationpoint-of-care diagnosticsPulmonologyInternal MedicinePharmacyoptical readoutlab-in-fibre microfluidicshost response biomarkersinfection severity prediction

Enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £31,000 per year plus substantial research budget

UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent required

Apply through University of Southampton portal: choose Research program, 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, select PhD or EngD, add supervisor name in section 2, include CV, 2 academic references, degree transcripts and certificates

What are the entry requirements for this PhD position?

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in a relevant field. The project particularly suits candidates with backgrounds in engineering, physical sciences, or biomedical disciplines.

What funding is available for this PhD position?

This position offers an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £31,000 per year (UKRI minimum plus £10,000 uplift) plus a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities through the TechExpert program.

What is the research focus of this PhD project?

The project develops next-generation point-of-care diagnostic technologies using lab-in-fibre microfluidics to measure host response biomarkers for predicting infection severity in defence and humanitarian settings, combining optical engineering with clinical applications.

Who are the supervisors for this project?

The project is supervised by Dr Al Edwards (lead supervisor), Professor Chris Holmes, and Professor Tom Wilkinson, offering expertise in microfluidics, optical engineering, and respiratory medicine.

What skills will I develop during this PhD?

You'll develop expertise in optical fibre engineering, bioassay development, diagnostic testing, and research translation, with hands-on experience in optoelectronics, microfluidics, and clinical problem-solving.

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University of Southampton

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This PhD project addresses a critical global health challenge by developing next-generation point-of-care diagnostic technologies for rapid host response testing. The project focuses on creating portable diagnostic platforms capable of measuring panels of host response biomarkers to predict infection severity and guide treatment decisions in resource-limited settings, conflict zones, and humanitarian deployments.

The core technology involves lab-in-fibre microfluidics, where miniaturised assay environments are created within optical fibres. This approach allows small sample volumes to be manipulated, exposed to functional surfaces, and interrogated optically within a single compact platform. By combining multiplexed biomarker capture with advanced optical readout and data-driven analysis, the technology enables rapid, portable, and information-rich host response testing outside conventional laboratory settings.

The project builds on emerging biomarker datasets that have identified promising candidates with greater specificity and predictive power than traditional markers like CRP, MxA, or procalcitonin. These current biomarkers offer opportunities to support early triage and improve clinical decision-making if they can be effectively measured outside labs.

Students will develop expertise in three major areas: engineering novel devices using the latest developments in optoelectronics (optical fibre engineering), hands-on bioassay development (diagnostic testing and measurement science), and driving innovation through understanding clinical problems and bridging healthcare technology to defence applications.

The project is based at the University of Southampton's Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, with supervision from Dr Al Edwards, Professor Chris Holmes, and Professor Tom Wilkinson. It's part of a CDT program selected for the TechExpert funding pilot, offering enhanced financial support including a £31,000 annual stipend plus substantial research budget.

📌 Rapid Host Response Testing For Infection Severity (Southampton)
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📍 Southampton