PhD Studentship: Development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Alternatives to Animal-derived Antibodies for Immunodiagnostic and Research Applications

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the UCLan Centre for Smart Materials (Chemistry Division), within the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress].  Both Home and EU/International applicants may apply but EU/International applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (2024/25 rate £19237 per year) subject to satisfactory progress.

It is expected the successful applicant will commence September 2024. 

Project Description:

Animal immunisation is widely used for the development of polyclonal antibodies (pAb) and hybridomas for monoclonal antibody (mAb) production. These antibodies then enter the immunoassay, diagnostic and therapeutic markets in different formats (e.g., purified, conjugated or antiserum), serving test kit industries, private and public-funded laboratories, including veterinary and public health laboratories, and the drug industry. It is an ever-growing multi-billion-dollar market.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are a rapidly evolving class of synthetic receptor with antibody-like affinities. They are low-cost, selective, and biocompatible materials. MIPs are produced in one chemical step within hours and are highly stable even at room temperature. This contrasts with biological antibodies which are produced in an immunised animal host, could take months to produce, if produced at all; and have limited stability. MIPs therefore offer multiple advantages as an antibody replacement technology. The potential applications of MIPs are in diagnostics, medical imaging, bioseparation and therapeutics.

The over-arching project objective is to develop a library of MIPs to reduce/replace animal-derived antibodies and enzyme-labelled antibodies in immunoassay formats leading to the development of novel disease and virus neutralisation diagnostics. We anticipate such MIPs will be used in immunodiagnostics for a range of biologically relevant protein-based disease biomarkers such as in cardiac, cancer and autoimmune diseases. The successful candidate will gain experience in a range of materials characterisation techniques including atomic force microscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical techniques. Further, the methods developed will be validated by the DTC student through our collaborations within the antibody industry, NHS diagnostics services, and research institutes focused on preventing and controlling viral diseases.

The successful candidate will have a Chemistry background with a strong interest at the materials chemistry and biological sciences interface.

Further information

Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Sub Reddy (SMReddy@uclan.ac.uk).

For the full details go to: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study - Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus - Preston Campus
• Mode of Study - Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number on the online application form.

Closing Date: 12^th April 2024

Proposed Interview Date: TBC

Expected Start Date: 23^rd September 2024

CURRENT UCLAN RESEARCH STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP

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