PhD Studentship: In Lipid-Based Conjugate Self-Assembly and Bioactivity - Nanostructured Self-Assembly of Bio-Derived and Bio-Inspired Lipid-Based Amphiphiles

Supervisors: Prof Ian Hamley 

Project Overview:   This ambitious research project is associated with an EPSRC Fellowship award to Prof Hamley. This project is underway and involves two postdoctoral researchers and another PhD student. This studentship is focused on the characterization of the self-assembly of innovative classes of nanostructured lipid conjugates (NLCs) containing bio-derived and biocompatible peptides, lipids and sugars linked together into multi-functional molecules. Combining these natural molecules by linking different components will lead to new structures and functions. You will perform cell assays to investigate the bioactivity of NLCs, in particular measuring cytocompatibility and antimicrobial activity and assays relating to extracellular matrix production, for applications in tissue engineering, especially skincare. The project also involves investigating the nanoscale ordered structures formed by self-assembly using x-ray scattering (in our lab and at Diamond Light Source and other synchrotrons) and electron microscopy, as well as spectroscopic measurements of conformation. Many of these NLCs have not been studied before and will have unique and unexpected properties and functions. This is a cutting-edge project that will deliver transformative discoveries using materials designed taking inspiration from nature and using nature's palette of biomolecular functions, which have been evolved for optimal performance under specific conditions. This PhD project will be focused on cell assays and biophysical measurements on the NLCs synthesized by the postdoc and PhD student also working on the project. An interest in and/or experience with chemical analytical methods and/or self-assembly and/or biochemistry (cell assays etc) is needed.

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor Degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or a related subject
• Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is open to UK/Republic of Ireland applicants only 

Funding Details:   

• Starts 1^st September 2023
• 3 year award
• Funding covers full UK tuition fees plus UKRI stipend 

How to apply:   

To apply click Apply for a Programme and create your account and use the link sent by email to start the application process.   During the application process please select the “PhD in Chemistry (initial registration)”

*Important notes*

• 1) Please quote the reference ‘GS23-041’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
• 2) When you are prompted by the online application system to upload a research proposal, please omit this step as the project is already defined. 

Application Deadline: 12^th December 2023 or until filled. 

Further Enquiries:  

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria. 

For further details please contact Prof Ian Hamley (i.w.hamley@reading.ac.uk)

Advert information