PhD Studentship: Repurposing Polymers and Drugs for Sustainable Therapeutics: Polymer Functionalisation, High-Throughput Screening, and In Vivo Evaluation of Amorphous Solid Dispersions

Research organisation: University of Nottingham
Industrial partner: AstraZeneca
Application deadline: 10 March 2026
Start date: October 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Funding: Fully funded IDLA PhD studentship supported by EPSRC and AstraZeneca

Project Description

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) represent one of the most promising contemporary strategies for enhancing the solubility and dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs. In these systems, the active compound is molecularly dispersed in an amorphous state within a hydrophilic polymer matrix. Despite their significant potential, the wider industrial adoption of ASDs remains constrained. Current development pathways are slow, labour-intensive, and require substantial quantities of material. Techniques such as hot-melt extrusion and spray drying are typically reliant on trial-and-error workflows, a narrow selection of polymers, and analytical methods that are unsuitable for early-stage screening due to high material demands. Moreover, no reliable predictive tools presently exist to identify optimal drug–polymer combinations.

This project addresses a critical gap in formulation science: the development of advanced polymers, tailored specifically for ASD applications, and the creation of high-throughput, miniaturised screening platforms capable of accelerating data generation while reducing waste. The aim is to improve the solubility, stability, and overall performance of challenging drug classes, including BCS Class II compounds, poor Glass Forming Ability molecules, and emerging modalities such as PROTACs.

Over the four-year PhD, the candidate will pursue the following key objectives:

Objective 1: Design and Synthesis of Novel Polymers

• Chemo-enzymatic functionalisation of commercially available polymers (e.g. PEG, PVA) to introduce tailored physicochemical features suitable for diverse drug classes (acidic, basic, lipophilic, hydrophilic, and PROTAC-type molecules).
• Development of polymeric prodrugs to enhance drug loading, improve stability, and support dual-drug delivery systems.

Objective 2: Development of a Streamlined Screening Platform

• Utilisation of inkjet-printing technologies and miniaturised solubility assays to rapidly assess polymer–drug compatibility. Training and instrument access will be provided by AstraZeneca.
• Integration of physical and biological performance testing

Eligibility and Application Process

Applications are welcomed from candidates with a background in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or a closely related discipline, and with a strong interest in sustainable chemistry and pharmaceutical formulation.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact: Dr Vincenzo Taresco: vincenzo.taresco@nottingham.ac.uk and Dr Veeren Chauhan: veeren.chauhan@nottingham.ac.uk

Formal applications should include a CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts. These should be submitted via email to Dr Taresco and through the University of Nottingham’s online application system (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx), selecting “Chemistry” as the School and listing Dr Vincenzo Taresco as supervisor.

Funding and Industry Engagement

This studentship is fully funded for 48 months (UK applicants only), covering tuition fees and a tax‑free stipend at the prevailing UKRI rate (currently £20,780 per annum). International applicants may be considered if they hold funding that covers international tuition fees. AstraZeneca will contribute through analytical support, inkjet‑printing training, industrial mentorship, and exposure to industry drug development processes

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or a related field. Experience in polymer synthesis or drug formulation is beneficial but not essential.

Candidates whose first language is not English must meet the University’s minimum language requirements (IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5).

Keywords: Polymer chemistry; amorphous solid dispersions; polymer–drug interactions; inkjet printing.

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