PhD Studentship: Spray Delivery of Antifibrotic Polysaccharides

Project:

Fibrotic conditions cause nearly half of all deaths in industrialised countries, and excessive scarring can cause significant disability and disfigurement. There is an urgent need for new anti-scarring therapies that are not only efficacious, but also affordable and sustainable. Natural polysaccharides, derived from seaweeds, bacteria, and other natural sources, have been shown to possess various therapeutic properties, though in many cases their mechanism of action is unclear.

These polymers can also be formulated into structured fluids, which provide enhanced targeting and retention at the anatomic site of interest. It is important to be able to deliver these structured materials through convenient, patient compliant methods, with spraying being a notable example for wound applications. However, the sprayability of structured fluids is not straight forward, and depends largely on their formulated microstructure.

We are looking for a motivated, curious PhD candidate, who is interested in developing and understanding new therapies for scarring and fibrosis. This project will involve developing cell models of fibrosis, and using them to understand the efficacy and mechanism of action of new polysaccharide therapies. This project will also involve formulating structured fluids from these polysaccharides, and understanding how changing their formulation alters their microstructures, and therefore their material and spray properties.

Academic Environment:

The successful candidate will join the vibrant team in the Healthcare Technologies Institute and the School of Chemical Engineering. The School of Chemical Engineering at Birmingham is one of the three largest centres for the postgraduate education of chemical engineers in the UK, pioneering research and development of rapidly expanding areas including pharmaceuticals, food processing, energy engineering and healthcare technologies. The Healthcare Technologies Institute was established in 2018, and has to date received over £34 million of research funding. The Institute brings together leading experts from diverse disciplines, including engineering, physics, chemistry, biology and computer science, as well as clinicians and translational experts, to discover new modes of detection and treatment of disease, and translate them to the clinic for patient benefit.

Candidate Details:

Applicants should hold a degree in materials science, engineering, chemistry, physics, biosciences or a related field. As an interdisciplinary project, the successful candidate should expect to be trained in and carry out work outside of their background discipline.

The position will be filled once a suitable candidate is identified; therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged. The PhD is expected to start in September 2025, though this is flexible. Applications should be made through the University of Birmingham’s online application system. Please include a copy of your CV, a cover letter outlining your research interests and any previous experience, and the names and email addresses of two referees. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Tom Robinson (T.E.Robinson@bham.ac.uk).

Funding notes:

Due to funding restrictions, only those eligible for UK home fees may apply.

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