AZ Funded Non-clinical PhD Studentship (Fixed Term) in Selective Nanoparticle Targeting of Senescent Alveolar Epithelium Using an Alveolar Organoid Model

Applications are invited for 4-year PhD studentship based in Cambridge Institute of Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge and the new AstraZeneca Discovery Centre at Cambridge. The student will be working on a collaborative project jointly supervised by Dr Jennifer Dickens in CIMR and Dr James Garnett and Dr Catherine Overed-Sayer at AstraZeneca and will work have opportunity to work across the two sites.

Project Overview

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) in which alveolar type 2 (AT2) cell epithelial dysfunction plays a key initiating role. Epithelial senescence is increasingly recognised as playing a role in triggering and perpetuating disease. This project aims to develop a platform in which to assess and optimise the delivery of nanoparticle approaches to senomodulatory therapeutics in the lung.

Senescent-cell targeting nanoparticles will be engineered and loaded with exemplar senomodulatory drugs in collaboration with Prof. Ljiljana Fruk (Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology) and delivered to AT2 cells, using human alveolar organoids as the primary in vitro model. Working with the AstraZeneca team, drug selection will be optimised and an automated screening platform developed to undertake proof-of-concept studies to assess the efficacy and functional effects of nanoparticle-mediated senolytic delivery to AT2 cells. 

Candidate

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual capable of thinking and working independently. Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or upper second-class degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject which will equip them for cell biology research. These positions are open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees through scholarships or funding schemes. Students will not be allowed to supplement fees via self-funding.

Full details of the University's entrance requirements and scholarships are specified on the following link: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

Funding

Full funding covering Maintenance fees at £21,500 per annum and the University Composition Fee is provided for the studentship, with effect from 1 October 2027.

Application Process

Applications should be made through the University Application Portal https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvimpdmsc/apply. This includes details of the required documents for the application.

Informal enquiries are encouraged before applications are made and should be directed to Dr Dickens (jac72@cam.ac.uk).

Deadline

The deadline for applications is 8^th December 2026. Interviews will take place in December 2026 or January 2027, to be confirmed.

Student Support and Training

As a graduate student at Cambridge, you will have access to a wide range of training opportunities and benefit from close supervision provided by a primary and secondary PhD supervisor as well as a personal mentor.

All students are expected to attend all internal and external seminars held within CIMR. Students will also be encouraged to attend and present at the annual AstraZeneca students symposium.

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