Open PhD position

Application deadline: April 13th 2026

Key details

3.5-year funded PhD position
Supervisors: Dr Ravinash Krishna Kumar and Professor Doryen Bubeck
Department: Department of Infectious Disease
Location: Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, London, UK

Key words:

3D printing, synthetic cells, protein engineering, synthetic biology, microbiology

Project

Project title: Engineering Synthetic Tissues for Targeted Antimicrobial Delivery Against Resistant Biofilms

Project abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most pressing global health challenges, with biofilm-forming Gram-negative pathogens causing recurrent and difficult-to-treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). This interdisciplinary PhD project aims to develop a groundbreaking solution: synthetic tissues (SynTissues) capable of delivering antimicrobial payloads directly to infection sites while preserving the host microbiome. This project will engineer 3D-printed networks of synthetic cells organized into tissue-like architectures (100-500 µm) that enable precise, localized delivery of combination antimicrobials. By integrating large bacterial-derived membrane pores inspired by gut symbionts, these SynTissues will release both small molecule antibiotics and large antimicrobial peptides/bacteriocins directly onto biofilms, minimizing off-target effects and reducing dosage requirements. This research has the potential to transform AMR treatment strategies by enabling site-specific antimicrobial delivery, reducing systemic antibiotic use, and preserving microbial homeostasis. The SynTissues platform could extend beyond UTIs to other biofilm-associated infections, representing a paradigm shift in precision antimicrobial therapy.

This project is a collaboration between the Krishna Kumar and Bubeck laboratories, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in synthetic cell engineering, membrane protein characterization, and antimicrobial research. The student will receive comprehensive training in advanced microscopy, protein purification, biofilm assays, and 3D printing technologies.

For more details see:

2025 – High-resolution patterned delivery of chemocal signals from 3D-printed picoliter droplet networks. Jorin Rexinger, Thomas Caganek, Xingzao Wang, Yutong Yin, Khoa Chung, Linna Zhou, Hagan Bayley, and Ravinash Krishna Kumar, Adv Mater , (2025); 37, 2412292. DOI

2022 – 3D printing of microbial communities: a new platform for understanding and engineering the microbiome R. Krishna Kumar, K. R. Foster, Microb. Biotechnol. (2023); 00, 1-5 DOI

2021 – Droplet printing reveals the importance of micron-scale structure for bacterial ecology R. Krishna Kumar, et al, Nat. Commun. 2021, 12, 857. DOI

2020 – Controlled packing and single-droplet resolution of 3D-printed functional synthetic tissues A. Alcinesio et al Nat. Commun. 2020, 11, 2105. DOI

This project is highly interdisciplinary – you will gain expertise in 3D printing, method development, materials science, and protein engineering.

BioPattern Lab (visit our group webpage here for more information)

Our research group prioritises a healthy research culture, collaboration, and flexible work hours as needed. I will provide a personalised mentorship, including working towards different career choices following the PhD.

How to apply

Please send your CV (including contact details of two referees) and a motivation letter for the project and lab to Dr Ravinash Krishna Kumar: r.krishnakumar@imperial.ac.uk by the April 13th 2026.

The project will start in October 2026.

Informal enquiries are most welcome via email, video calling, and lab visits. Please get in touch again with Dr Ravinash Krishna Kumar: r.krishnakumar@imperial.ac.uk

Eligibiltiy

The studentship is funded by the Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine for 3.5 year home (fee-status) PhD studentship, which includes tuition fees, bursary commensurate with UKRI rates (23,805 pa tax free).

International students can apply with us for a fully funded Presidents Scholarship).

Applicants must have or expect to gain a First or Upper Second class undergraduate degree in Synthetic Biology, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or other related field. A Masters Degree is desirable but not essential. Applicants are also required to meet Imperial College’s English language requirements

Imperial College London

Imperial College is a hub for the advancement of synthetic biology and microbiome sciences. Moreover, you will be positioned to take advantage of the London BioFoundry and the Advanced Hackspace, along with the Department’s close ties with clinical scientists across the Faculty of Medicine and researchers in the Life Sciences and Bioengineering departments. The Department provides a well-developed teaching and support network for PhD students, and the research project will be pursued in the Sir Alexander Fleming Building at the vibrant South Kensington Campus in central London.