Similar Positions Recommended for you PhD Dec 31, 2026 Csir-Ugc Jrf Phd Admissions India PhysicsData Science+19 PhD Sep 30, 2026 Multimodal Foundational Models For Neuroscience France fMRIEEG+5 PhD Nov 30, 2026 Electromagnetic Modeling Of Radar Signatures And Ai For Object Recognition France Wireless CommunicationsRadar Engineering+6 PhD Dec 15, 2026 Fully Funded Phd Positions In Finland Finland international studentsstipend+4 PhD Aug 5, 2026 Strategic Phd In Physics-Informed Ai For Thermal Energy Storage Technical University of Denmark, Denmark Physicsdeep learning+7 PhD Aug 15, 2026 Phd Project - Pat Applications For Monitoring Aav Production University College Dublin, Ireland AutomationPharmaceutical Sciences+8 PhD Mar 6, 2027 Phd Thesis Student At Ill: Studying Polymerization Induced Self-Assembly By Neutron Scattering European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France neutron scatteringsmall angle neutron scattering+6 PhD Nov 30, 2026 Low Noise Amplifier Design For Cryogenic Applications France cryogenic electronicsSiGe HBT+2 PhD Aug 31, 2026 Fully Funded International Phd Programs Social SciencesEngineering+4 PhD Oct 31, 2026 Superconducting Silicide Contacts Development France Physicssuperconductivity+3 United Kingdom/University of Southampton 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.

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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. More PhD Positions in Electrical Engineering- United KingdomMore PhD Positions in Electronics- United KingdomMore PhD Positions in Mechanical Engineering- United Kingdom University of Southampton Institution Website View Posting Loginto track your status and notes for this position Similar Positions Recommended for you PhD Dec 31, 2026 Csir-Ugc Jrf Phd Admissions India PhysicsData Science+19 PhD Sep 30,



2026 Multimodal Foundational Models For Neuroscience France fMRIEEG+5 PhD Nov 30, 2026 Electromagnetic Modeling Of Radar Signatures And Ai For Object Recognition France Wireless CommunicationsRadar Engineering+6 PhD Dec 15, 2026 Fully Funded Phd Positions In Finland Finland international studentsstipend+4 PhD Aug 5, 2026 Strategic Phd In Physics-Informed Ai For Thermal Energy Storage Technical University of Denmark, Denmark Physicsdeep learning+7 PhD Aug 15, 2026 Phd Project - Pat Applications For Monitoring Aav Production University College Dublin, Ireland AutomationPharmaceutical Sciences+8 PhD Mar 6, 2027 Phd Thesis Student At Ill: Studying Polymerization Induced Self-Assembly By Neutron Scattering European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France neutron scatteringsmall angle neutron scattering+6 PhD Nov 30, 2026 Low Noise Amplifier Design For Cryogenic Applications France cryogenic electronicsSiGe HBT+2 PhD Aug 31, 2026 Fully Funded International Phd Programs Social SciencesEngineering+4 PhD Oct 31, 2026 Superconducting Silicide Contacts Development France Physicssuperconductivity+3 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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