Biomimetic Materials for Heart Valves
Engineering Biomimetic Materials for Long-Lasting Heart Valve Replacement
Published on the 08 October 2026 by UNSW Scientia PhD Project
This project is part of the UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme
Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend and a one-off Global Mobility Grant to conduct international engagement activities.
Heart valve disease affects millions of people worldwide, yet current replacement valves often fail leading to repeated high-risk surgeries. This PhD project will develop next-generation biomimetic materials that replicate the structure, mechanics and biological function of native heart valve tissue. The candidate will engineer and evaluate advanced silk-based biomaterials for regenerative heart valve applications, combining biomaterials science, tissue engineering and cardiovascular medicine.
The successful candidate will be supervised by an internationally recognised team spanning UNSW, the University of Sydney and the University of Bayreuth (Germany), bringing expertise in regenerative biomaterials, cardiovascular device development and translational medicine. The project includes an international research placement at the University of Bayreuth, home to one of the world's leading recombinant spider silk research programs led by Prof Scheibel. This unique opportunity will provide advanced training in biomaterials and regenerative medicine, and international and clinical collaboration, while contributing to technologies with the potential to transform heart valve replacement.
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- Residency: Domestic applicants only.
- Degree program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
You must meet the minimum requirements below to apply:
- An appropriate Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW: OR
- A completed Master by Research, with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high-quality research thesis; OR
- a qualification from another tertiary institution at a level considered equivalent by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)
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Eligible applicants must contact the Primary Supervisor, Jelena Rnjak-Kovacina - z3477557@ad.unsw.edu.au. If she agrees to supervise you, you will be invited to submit a formal application to UNSW.
Your email should include:
- CV
- Official academic transcripts
- A brief introduction about you and why you are qualified for this project.
- What interests you about this project and the supervisor(s) expertise.
Research project overview
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Scholarship value
$39,991 per annum (2027 rate) stipend for 3.5 years
$25,000 Global Mobility Grant (one-off) -
Supervisory team
Professor Jelena Rnjak-Kovacina (UNSW, Primary Supervisor)
Prof Steven Wise (University of Sydney, Co-Supervisor)
Prof Thomas Scheibel (University of Bayreuth, Co-Supervisor)
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Global research partner
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Candidate residency
Domestic
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Degree program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
UNSW School | Research area
Faculty of Engineering | School of Biomedical Engineering
Impact focus area
Pillar 7: Advance economic & social prosperity
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Impact focus area
Pillar 8: Enable healthy lives
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Primary supervisor
Do you have questions?
The UNSW Graduate Research School manages all postgraduate research applications and scholarships. Get in touch with our team to discuss your research interests and the next steps.