PhD Studentship: Next Generation Bio-instructive Materials for Healthcare Applications

Location: UK Other

This exciting opportunity is based within the Advanced Materials Research Group in the Faculty of Engineering which conducts cutting edge research into the development of novel bio-instructive materials for healthcare applications. The student will work in world-class facilities and engage with interdisciplinary team with expertise ranging from microfluidics, materials science, polymer synthesis and 3D printing.

PhD Project Description: The care and management of wounds is an ever-increasing challenge with greater numbers of hard-to-heal wounds associated with microbial biofilms driven by ageing populations and increased prevalence of diabetes creating additional burdens on international healthcare systems. Recently, droplet microfluidics has been used to develop crosslinked, functionalised 3D polymer microparticles to promote wound healing. This project aims to create a functionalised, bioresorbable microparticle system that can promote wound healing over a 21-day period. By using hydrogel materials, this also opens the possibility of adding an active agent in the core for further functionality, which could be explored during this project. 

An ideal candidate will have interest in microfluidics, healthcare applications and the knowledge of materials science alongside a strong motivation to develop a world-leading expertise. The successful candidate will have a background in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials sciences, or a related field but be willing to learn new disciplines to achieve the project goals. You will develop skills in materials characterisation including advanced spectrometry techniques such as NMR and ToF-SIMS as well as microscopy and chemical synthesis techniques.  

Eligibility

• Project start date and duration: start 1^st October 2024 for 36 months.
• Candidates must possess or expect to obtain a 2:1 or first-class degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Due to funding constraints this position is only eligible for UK Home Students
• To apply, a covering letter and CV should be sent by email to adam.dundas1@nottingham.ac.uk. Please refer to the project title when sending your e-mail/application. Informal enquires are also welcome. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Funding support

Fully funded studentship, which includes a minimum tax-free stipend of £19,237, are competitively available for home fee eligible students for an October 2024 start.

Note that the funding associated with this role is awarded via an internal competition and is therefore only confirmed sometime after the admission application is approved.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners. 

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