MEDICINE: FULLY FUNDED : OVERCOMING TRANSPORT BARRIERS FOR MULTISTAGE DELIVERY OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES IN ONCOLOGY

2021-06-11

This scholarship is fully funded

Closing date: 2 July 2021

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Project description:

Swansea University Medical School is pleased to advertise a fully funded joint PhD position in collaboration with Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI). Sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the project aims to develop novel biomimetic drug-delivery approaches for gynaecological cancers. Using multi-scale depot approaches, these advanced delivery methods will be able to preferentially accumulate at metastatic sites and maintain the bioactivity of therapeutic payloads. Multistage porous particles (MSV) will be used for localized delivery of nanoparticles and cytotoxic drugs, to modulate target cell function and rewire malignant processes.

The student will split their time between Swansea University, in the Reproductive Biology and Gyneacological Oncology (RBGO) group (50%), located in Institute of Life Sciences 2 (ILS2) and in the Department of Nanomedicine at the Houston Methodist Research Institute (Houston, Texas) (50%). RBGO research is clinical need focused, led by clinical-academics, developing wider networks to facilitate cutting edge advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to combat female cancers. Using a multi-disciplinary outlook, the first year will provide in depth disease specific understanding, tailoring advanced therapeutic approaches to improve intra-peritoneal drug delivery. The Department of Nanomedicine at HMRI focuses on interdisciplinary research by combining engineering and biomedical sciences to develop nanotechnology-enabled therapeutic and diagnostic platforms for combating chronic diseases including cancer. Significant time will be spent at partner institution (HMRI) in the Corradetti lab where immune cell derivatives-MSV will be engineered, characterized and tested in preclinical models of advanced ovarian cancer.

The successful candidate will benefit from multidisciplinary study both in Swansea and in the Texas Medical Center. RBGO is a large and dynamic research team with a strong track record in research excellence and teaching. Working within the advanced therapeutics section of the group, nanoparticle and exosome mimetics provide an exciting and cutting-edge PhD opportunity. Working at the interface between drug delivery, material science and mechanism of action, the project will be supported by high tech instrumentation and laboratory approaches. Micro- and nano-vesicle fabrication, characterisation, 3D culture, drug penetration and associated downstream cell and molecular assays will be used, in two world class research environments, to optimise therapeutic approaches for advanced ovarian cancer.

Brief Description

University or Organization: Swansea University
Department: NA
Course Level: PhD
Award: full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £15,609
Number of Awards: NA
Access Mode: Online
Nationality: International
The award can be taken in the UK

Eligibility

Eligible Countries: Applications are accepted from around the world
Eligible Course or Subjects: PhD degree in Advanced Therapeutics, Nanomedicine, Biomedical science, Medical engineering
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following/given criteria:
skills in molecular biology and tissue culture techniques
a multidisciplinary outlook with the appreciation of the physical sciences
basic understanding of material sciences and material/bio-interfaces in biomedical applications
a keen interest in gynecological cancers and drug delivery
some experience in material fabrication and characterization, or disease models, treatment, and analysis.

How to Apply

How to Apply: To apply, applicants must have to take admission in the PhD degree at the university and complete the Research application Form 2021 and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring Form_Ffurflen Monitor
Supporting Documents: CV, Covering letter outlining experience against skills/qualities required and motivation to pursue a PhD degree and send it to Dr Lewis Francis francis@swansea.ac.uk
Admission Requirements: Candidates should hold a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) honors degree and/or an MSc (or it’s equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Biosciences, Biophysics, Biomedical, Biochemistry, Medical Engineering.
Language Requirement: They expect the academic and English Language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5+ in each component) to be met by point of application

Benefits

This scholarship covers the total cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £15,609. There will be additional funds available for research expenses.