PhD Studentship - Polymer Materials to Store Biologics at Room Temperature

Department: Chemistry
Title: Polymer Materials to Store Biologics at Room Temperature
Application deadline: All year round
Research theme: Polymers, Chemistry, Cryopreservation, Biochemistry, Biotechnology

How to apply: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

This 3.5 year PhD is available to home students; tuition fees will be and you will receive an annual tax free stipend at UKVI rates (£19,237 for 2024/25).

Biologics are cell and protein-based therapies which are transforming medical outcomes: This spans insulin for diabetes, glucagon-like peptides for obesity, CAR-T cells for cancer and more. A key challenge is how to deliver these to the patient, before the cells/proteins degrade. Cryopreservation is the most widely used solution and we have innovated in polymers to protect cells from cold stress. However, there are many situations where freezing is not possible, or electricity is not available, and room temperature storage would be desirable.

The aim of this PhD is to develop polymers, and small molecules, which can protect cells (and proteins) during freeze-drying (lyophilization) to generate solid formulations which are stable at room temperature. This will include the delivery of bio-active stabilisation agents into the cells, polymers to stabilise the membranes and the precise control of ice growth. We will use conventional as well as high-throughput technologies, including our in-house platforms.

The GibsonGroup has world-class facilities based in both the Department of Chemistry (where this role is primarily based) and also in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB). The Chemistry laboratories are brand new (2023) featuring dedicated write up space, fume hoods, and analytical equipment including UV-Vis, FTIR (and in 2024) NMR spectrometers, microscopes and liquid handling systems. For polymer analysis we have a multidetector SEC suite, as well as the departments core NMR and Mass Spec facilities. We access the UKs National Materials Institute, the Royce, which is in an adjacent building. In the MIB we have dedicated tissue culture and microbiology laboratories and a bioanalytical suite including biolayer interferometry, flow cytometry, high-content live cell microscopy and (in 2024) confocal microscopy. From 2025 the team will host a UK unique automated glycan synthesis platform.

The GibsonGroup is a positive research environment, and the successful candidate is expected to contribute to the groups research culture, focussed on team work.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Please contact the supervisor, Prof Matt Gibson, for this project before you apply. You should include a 2 page (max) CV in your email, including grades, details of subjects studied and research projects undertaken.

Advert information