PhD Studentship: Discovery and study of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and composites for drug delivery and biomedical applications

The project:

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising candidates for controlled drug delivery due to their tunable pore structures and high surface areas. This PhD project will explore the synthesis, characterization, and application of MOFs and MOF-based composites for efficient and targeted drug delivery.

Research objectives:

• Computational Design and Synthesis: Utilize advanced computational modeling to predict optimal MOF structures for drug encapsulation and release. Synthesize novel linkers and MOFs tailored to specific drug delivery applications.
• Advanced MOF-Polymer Composites: Develop innovative MOF-polymer hybrid materials with enhanced pore structures and stability for improved drug loading and controlled release.
• Comprehensive Characterization: Employ a range of techniques to investigate the structural, morphological, and physical properties of MOFs and composites.
• Drug Loading and Release Studies: Evaluate the drug loading capacity, release kinetics, and long-term stability of MOF-based delivery systems.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Explore the potential of MOFs and composites for antimicrobial applications.

This project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the forefront of materials science and drug delivery research. Successful candidates will have a strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field. Any evidence of prior research experience will be an advantage.

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss. 

Online applications are made by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Please select Aerospace Engineering PhD on the Programme Choice page.

If you would like to be considered for postgraduate research funding, ensure you select 'University of Bristol scholarship' for the UoB scholarship, or 'Engineering and Physical Science Research Council' for the EPSRC DLA Award under funding source when making your application.

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a pass at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree. 

Any research experience in chemistry or materials science can be an advantage. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E 

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels. 

Funding:

Funding will be considered by a competitive selection process. Minimum tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate is £19,237 pa for 2024/25.

For eligibility and residence requirements please check the UKRI UK Research and Innovation website

Contacts:  

For questions about the research topic, please contact:

Dr Sanjit Nayak: s.nayak@bristol.ac.uk

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact:

Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk   

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