Bolognesi Lab
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30.01.2026
Christina wins the RSC Material Advances Poster Prize
Christina has won the RSC Material Advances Poster Prize at the 2026 McBain Lecture and Symposium held in Birmingham on 30th January 2026.
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Christina's poster showcased her work on the application of diffusiophoresis and diffusioosmosis for the separation of particles based on particle surface chemistry and coating.
26.01.2026
Post-doc in Microfluidic Engineering for Cancer Diagnostics
We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to the multi-centre project “ULYSSES – Ultrasensitive Luminescence-based Yeast Sensors for Early Cancer Detection”. This is a 3M€, highly innovative Horizon Europe Pathfinder project aimed at developing a next-generation, yeast-based biosensing platform for the early detection of breast and prostate cancer through urine analysis.
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The post is funded for up to 36 months, with a start date of 1st May 2026
or shortly thereafter.
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The application deadline is mid-night UK time 15th February.
In this project, you will design, fabricate, optimise and validate a microfluidic platform integrating engineered yeast-based biosensors for urine sample in microplate readers. This will involve the use of computational tools for computer-aided design and computational fluid dynamics simulations, microfabrication techniques, bespoke hardware for liquid handling, and analytical characterisation methods. In addition, you will contribute to the integration of the platform with a diagnostic interface incorporating machine-learning models for data interpretation.
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Detailed description of the job can be found here.​​
Key Requirements
You will have a PhD degree (or will have submitted your thesis prior to taking up the position) in a field related to microtechnology, such as bioengineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in microfluidics is essential. Proven expertise in more than one of the following areas is also required: microfabrication, lab-on-a-chip technologies, computer-aided design, computational fluid dynamics, biosensing, system integration and instrumentation and software development. You will have experience with multidisciplinary research and of working effectively as part of a research team. Experience in undertaking proof-of-concept studies and collaborative experiments is essential. A strong publication track record is required.
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £37,332 - £39,980 per annum, including London Allowance of £5,000 p.a.) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
HOW TO APPLY: follow instructions on the UCL job website. For informal inquires, contact Guido Bolognesi (g.bolognesi@ucl.ac.uk).
17.01.2026
PhD Project on Integrated Capillary Microfluidics for Point-of-Care Testing (Start Date Oct 2026)
A fully-funded PhD Projects is available in our group at University College London – Department of Chemistry.
This position is fully funded by the UCL-A*STAR Collaborative Programme via the Centre for Doctoral Training in Molecular Modelling and Materials Science (M3S CDT) at UCL. The student will be registered for a PhD at UCL where he/she will spend year 1 and the first six months of year 4. The second and third years of the PhD will be spent at the A*STAR Institute in Singapore.
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Project Title: Integrated Capillary Microfluidics for Point-of-Care Testing
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UCL Supervisor: Dr Guido Bolognesi
A*STAR Supervisor: Dr Laura Sutarlie
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​​​Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are widely used due to their simplicity, portability, and low cost, but their clinical potential is currently limited by low sensitivity, sample matrix interference, and restricted multiplexing capability. To overcome these limitations, this project aims to develop a novel capillary-driven microfluidic platform that integrates advanced microfluidic control with conventional LFA architecture to enhance POCT performance. The successful candidate will design and test microfluidic modules to selectively separate and concentrate target analytes from complex biological samples, as well as to implement nanomaterial-based signal amplification strategies on LFA strips. These modules will be integrated into a rapid, portable, and user-friendly POCT device capable of multiplex protein biomarker detection for diseases where early diagnosis is critical (e.g., cardiovascular and infectious diseases).​
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​The project is a joint international studentship, with the first year at the Department of Chemistry of UCL focusing on microfluidic module development and system design, followed by years two and three at the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering in Singapore, dedicated to nanomaterial-based signal enhancement and full platform integration.
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Detailed description of the project can be found here.​
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Funding Notes: Due to funding restrictions, this studentship only opens to UK nationals, EU nationals with settled/pre-settled status
HOW TO APPLY: contact Guido Bolognesi (g.bolognesi@ucl.ac.uk) to discuss your application before formally apply. ​
​​To apply, complete the electronic application form at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply
In the form, select RRDCHESING01 – Research Degree: Chemistry, Full-time, 2026/27 entry.
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The application deadline is set for mid-night UK time on February 28th, 2026.
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Project Start date is October 2026.
17.01.2026
Christina awarded the SCI Rideal Travel Bursary
Christina has been awarded the SCI Rideal Travel Bursary to support her participation in the APS Global Physics Summit 2026 conference, scheduled for the 15-20 March 2026 in Denver, Colorado, USA. She will give an oral presentation on "Diffusiophoresis and diffusioosmosis-driven dynamics of modified polystyrene colloids in long double-junction microchannels". The Rideal Travel Bursary is offered by the SCI to promising academic research workers in the general field of colloid and surface science to attend international conferences.​
