Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major global risk to human health by causing death, disability, longer hospitalisations, and increased healthcare costs. Vaccines are ideally suited to tackle this problem, improving the lives of people worldwide. The All-Island Vaccine Research and Training Alliance (AIVRT) is a hub of excellence aimed to develop effective vaccines against ESKAPE pathogens. Needle-free vaccines offer the possibility to develop new formats that improve both immune response and improve access. Lead vaccine candidates, both protein and nucleic acid-antigen based vaccines developed by partners in the AIVRT programme (QUB, UCD, UCC and TCD) will be formulated into nanoparticles for mucosal delivery, focussing on nasal and inhaled routes.
Extensive training will be provided in all aspects of the fundamentals of nanoparticle manufacture together with physicochemical methods required to optimise the drying methods for the specific requirements of the antigen, and to characterise vaccine products such as mucoadhesion for nasal delivery, thermal stability and vaccine potency. The successful candidate will be involved in training and networking activities in partner institutions across the island of Ireland.
Students are expected to present at a minimum of one international meeting during their studies and make a contribution to internationally excellent research outputs. Engagement with AIVRT consortium partners and participation in outreach activities associated with the AVACTA consortium will be encouraged.
Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Students who have a 2.2 honours degree and a Master’s degree may also be considered, but the School reserves the right to shortlist for interview only those applicants who have demonstrated high academic attainment to date. Technical experience and knowledge in some of the following would be desirable: pharmaceutical formulation, protein purification.
Applicants should apply through the University's Direct Application Portal: https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php
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