PhD Studentship - Kidney Stone Disease and Intervention: Bio-mimic Liquid Crystal Platform for Crystallisation induced Carcinogenesis and Therapeutic Dissolution of Kidney Stones

Project Supervisors:

Dr Venu Vangala

Dr Muhammad Faisal

Prof Tim Gough

Project Description:

Crystal accumulation leading to disease, kidney stones, a significant medical problem faced by the globe with high reoccurrence. There is disproportionate increase in kidney stone disease among women as well as Black and Hispanic individuals. The aim of the project is to investigate epidemiologic studies, the mechanisms underpinning formation for therapeutic dissolution of kidney stones and its role in renal carcinogenesis.

The Brad-ATTAIN studentship will bring together epidemiologic studies, crystal engineering and biology (external partnership including University of Leeds and NHS England) concepts to build bio-inspired liquid crystal platform and to evaluate renal crystals capability to induce malignancy and dissolution of kidney stone materials. The proposed cross-disciplinary supervisory team has an excellent record in the areas of analysing big healthcare database to investigate health inequalities (Centre for Digital Innovations in Health & Social Care), crystallisation and pharmaceutical technology (Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science), structural characterisation of small molecules (Polymer Interdisciplinary Research Centre), protein aggregation and cancer biology (Institute of Cancer Therapeutics) at the University of Bradford.

Positive Action Statement:

At the University of Bradford (UoB) our vision is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity, where people want to, and can, make a difference. We place equality and diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to social mobility at the centre of our mission and ethos. In working to make a difference we are committed to addressing systemic inequality and disadvantages experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff and students.

Eligibility:

We recognise the importance and the benefits to research quality that come from diverse perspectives, and from belonging to a diverse research community.  Therefore, as part of our Brad-ATTAIN initiative to increase diversity and inclusion among our PGR community, the UoB is offering fully funded PhD studentships open to candidates who self-identify as being from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background and have UK ‘home’ student status.

These are lawful measures designed to address systemic and structural issues which result in under-representation of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority students in PGR study.

The successful applicant will hold a minimum of an upper-class honours degree. A Masters’ degree is desirable. The project may suit graduates with backgrounds in pharmaceutical science, chemistry, material science, chemical/biomedical engineering, cancer biology, biochemistry or from other biological science discipline.

This studentship is available on a full (3 years) or part-time (6 years) basis to candidates that can commence from 1st October 2024. The applicant(s) should use the 'proposal' section of the application to elaborate on:

• Why this research is important.
• How you would conduct it.
• What skills you have to offer to the research.

Funding notes:

This project has full funding for UK students, which will cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per year for living costs, and a Research Support Grant.

Funding for:

UK Students

Enquiries email name and address:  

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Venu Vangala (v.g.r.vangala@bradford.ac.uk)

Tel. No. for Enquiries:  

0800 073 1225

How to apply:

Potential candidates should apply directly online through the online application portal.

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