Current PhD opportunities
A number of self-funded PhD degree opportunities are currently available in the Faculty of Life Sciences. More information about the project and how to apply is available by clicking on the project title. You can also email the supervisor by clicking on their name if you wish to enquire about a specific project.
Advanced materials research PhD projects
Core and core-shell nanomaterials synthesis for Optoelectronics
Dr Stephen Hickey, Dr William Martin
Development of highly stable porous composite membranes for separation of greenhouse gases
Dr Sanjit Nayak, Prof Stephen Rimmer
Discovery and Development of Biocatalytic Solutions to Mitigate Microplastic Pollution
Dr Tom Swift, Dr Refaat Hamed, Prof Sankar Sivarajah
Nanomaterials as White Light Emitters for Low Cost Lighting
Dr Stephen Hickey, Dr William Martin
Oxidic Nanomaterials for High Density Storage in Li-ion Batteries
Dr Stephen Hickey, Dr William Martin
Strategic synthesis of magnetically interesting high nuclearity complexes of 3d-4f metal ions
Dr Sanjit Nayak, Dr Colin Seaton
Synthesis and functional studies of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived from high oxidation state metal ions
Dr Sanjit Nayak
Cancer research PhD projects
Development of Naked Mole Rat Colonic Crypt Models to Use in the Search for Bowel Disease Preventatives
Dr Steven Shnyder, Prof Sherif El-Khamisy
Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel polysialyltransferase inhibitors as anti- metastatic agents
Prof Rob Falconer, Dr Steven Shnyder
Design, synthesis and evaluation of protease-activated anti-cancer prodrugs
Prof Rob Falconer, Prof Paul Loadman
Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT): Investigation of the role in acquired drug resistance in colon cancer
Dr Steven Shnyder, Dr Sriharsha Kantamneni
Investigation of antagonism of multiple RGD-binding integrins as a therapeutic strategy in advanced head and neck cancer
Dr Helen Sheldrake
Nanoparticle synthesis and application in magnetic field hyperthermia for cancer therapy
Dr Philip Drake, Dr Steven Shnyder
Polysialyltransferases as a target in metastatic cancer
Prof Rob Falconer, Dr Steven Shnyder
Targeting the MAPK scaffold protein KSR1 for the treatment of prostate cancer
Dr Jürgen Müller, Prof Rob Falconer
Cardiovascular research PhD projects
Development of a personalized therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
Dr Talat Nasim
Re-purposing established drugs for the resolution of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
Dr Talat Nasim
Therapeutic resolution of BMPR2-mediated signalling defects in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
Dr Talat Nasim, Dr Raj Gopalan, Dr Khaled Assi
Therapeutic resolution of coronavirus (COVID-19) diseases by natural products
Dr Talat Nasim
Therapeutic resolution of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) by natural products
Dr Talat Nasim, Dr Mojgan Najafzadeh
Therapeutic resolution of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by natural products
Dr Talat Nasim, Prof Colin Wright
Drug delivery and formulation research PhD projects
Analysis of Magnetically Susceptible Nanoparticles via confocal and fluorescence spectroscopy
Dr Philip Drake, Dr Tom Swift
Biodegradable composite materials (Bio-PolyMOFs) for applications in targeted delivery of drugs to improve healthcare and reduce antimicrobial resistance in developing countries and worldwide
Dr Sanjit Nayak, Dr Adrian Kelly, Dr Maria Katsikogianni
Directed Co-Crystallisation of Pharmaceuticals: developing a predictive method for co-crystallisation
Dr Colin Seaton
Formulation and biopharmaceutical characterisation of novel pro-antibiotics for improved oral permeability
Dr Krzysztof Paluch, Dr Helen Sheldrake, Dr Sriharsha Kantamneni
Formulation of heterogenous solid dispersions produced by spray drying and hot-melt extrusion for improved delivery of amorphous drugs
Dr Krzysztof Paluch, Dr Mohammad Isreb
Investigation into the in-vitro lung deposition of liposomal formulations of the dual fixed-dose combination inhaler
Dr Khaled Assi, Dr Xiangli Liu
Rational Control of Crystal Morphology
Dr Colin Seaton
Sustainable and controlled drug delivery to fight global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using hybrid porous nano containers
Dr Sanjit Nayak, Dr Maria Katsikogianni, Dr Michael Chen
Educational research PhD projects
How has Long COVID impacted on student educational attainment and experience?
Dr Steven Shnyder, Prof Liz Breen, Dr Peter Branney
Skin sciences research PhD projects
Epigenetic regulation of skin wound healing
Dr Michael Fessing, Dr Sobia Kauser, Prof Krzysztof Poterlowicz