PhD Studentship Enzyme-Responsive Hydrogels for Diagnostics, Delivery and Regenerative Medicine

Supervisor:  Prof Ian Hamley (Reading)        

Overview:  Please note that this project is being advertised in conjunction with one other project, on a competitive basis. Only one of the projects will be funded. Funding will be awarded to the first high quality applicant to a) complete a formal application and b) be put forward by either of the project leads for the award.

The project involves collaboration with Dr Stephen King (ISIS neutron source) and Dr Stan Botchway (CLF, Central Lasers Facility) and is co-funded by the STFC Futures initiative.

The healthcare challenges associated with an aging population, regenerative medicine and cancer require new diagnostic and drug delivery systems, and substrates for cell growth and differentiation in tissue engineering. You will investigate the self-assembly and structure of novel, water-based, biocompatible, polymer hydrogels. The hydrogels will be functionalised with peptides that will serve as substrates for specific enzymes, including those associated with Alzheimer’s and the inflammation associated with this condition, and those targeting certain cancers. In addition, gels will be developed with applications in tissue engineering, in particular, for wound healing of the skin. You will be required to spend time during your studentship at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, approximately 30 miles from Reading.

Eligibility: Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant subject. Please note that due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is for UK/EU applicants only.

Funding Details:  Studentship will cover Home/EU Fees and pay the Research Council minimum stipend (£13,726 for 2013/14) for up to 3 years. The studentship will begin in October 2013.

How to apply:  To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in Chemistry to the University – see http://www.reading.ac.uk/graduateschool/prospectivestudents/gs-how-to-apply.aspx

Please quote the reference GS13-11’  in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your online application.

Application Deadline: Please note that due to the short timescale available, there is no set deadline. Applicants should therefore submit a formal application as soon as possible. The studentship will be awarded to the first high quality candidate.

Further Enquiries:  Please contact Barbara Parr, B.L.Parr@reading.ac.uk