Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London in collaboration with Oxford Biomedica
Application Deadline: Fri 21st Jan 202 (12:00 midday GMT)
Project Start Date: October 2022
Project ID: ABViP 2022/3
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Professor Paul Dalby
Secondary Supervisors: Dr John Hales
About the Project
New viral vectors for delivering gene therapies such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) continue to pose challenges in their manufacturing and formulation due to their instability.
The aim of this project will be to gain insights into capsid structure and function by studying capsid dynamics in different formulations and under different stresses.
You will have the opportunity to use decay-associated chromatography – an emerging analytical technology at the forefront of analytical science for viral vectors – in combination with cutting-edge biophysical techniques, including single-molecule FRET, dynamic light scattering, and ion-exchange chromatography.
About the BBSRC Collaborative Training Partnership in Advanced Bioscience of Viral Products (ABViP)
This PhD studentship is part of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) in Advanced Bioscience of Viral Products (ABViP). The ABViP CTP is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary training programme designed to deliver the next generation of bioscience leaders who will advance research on the underpinning bioscience of viral products for future gene therapies and vaccines. Led by Oxford Biomedica and involving both UCL and University of Oxford, CTP students will have access to a wide ranging portfolio of training opportunities at the Partner sites including taught courses and case studies designed to complement the doctoral research. Students trained through the ABViP CTP will gain a holistic insight into the research and development activities required to develop the medicines of the future, with the ability to see the world of medicines development through both an academic and industrial lens. For more information about the ABViP CTP, please click on the following link.
A webinar will be held on Thu 13th January 2022 17.00 – 18.30 (GMT) which will introduce the ABViP Programme, introduce each of the projects and provide an opportunity to have your questions answered. The final 30 minutes of the webinar will be an opportunity for potential applicants to meet with current doctoral students at UCL and University of Oxford. To register for this webinar, please click here.
About the Department
This project is based in the Department of Biochemical Engineering at UCL, a world leader in bioprocess research creating novel engineering solutions to underpin future biomanufacturing processes. The Department of Biochemical Engineering represents one of the major bioprocessing groups in the world, where high-impact research activity is undertaken with a strong industry focus, linking advanced bioscience to an understanding of whole bioprocesses by which discoveries are translated into healthcare outcomes. The Department has superb facilities for biochemical engineering research with significant impact on the bioprocessing and biomanufacturing of cell and gene therapies, biologics, vaccines, oligonucleotides, regenerative medicines, high-value chemicals, pharmaceuticals and biomaterials. Researchers in our Department make use of the recent >£30m of investment in comprehensive and unique facilities including a fully equipped pilot-plant.
Additional information about research in the Biochemical Engineering department can be found at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biochemical-engineering/.
About Oxford Biomedica
Oxford Biomedica (OXB) is a pioneer of gene and cell therapy with a leading position in viral vector research and bioprocessing. Our mission is to deliver life-changing gene therapies to patients. OXB is an innovation and science focussed company which has developed a leading platform of novel technologies and capabilities. The OXB team provide design, development, bioprocessing and analytical development for gene-based medicines based on viral vectors, both for in-house products and for those developed with partner organisations. OXB has contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) capabilities that support development of novel gene based medicines through all phases of clinical development to commercial manufacture. At Oxford Biomedica, we drive credible science to realise incredible results.
Entry requirements
A UK Master’s degree, or a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree, in a relevant discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. We particularly welcome applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, or via an unconventional career path. If you’re unclear as to whether you are eligible we would encourage you to submit an application regardless. You can also contact the project supervisor (see details below). To learn more about the policies in relation to diversity and inclusion at UCL, please click here for further information.
Informal enquiries should be addressed to Paul Dalby (E-mail [Email Address Removed]).
Funding
This BBSRC CTP ABViP Studentship is available to UK and Overseas (including EU) students. Full maintenance (stipend & fees) is available to UK and Overseas students for the duration of the four-year PhD. Note that up to a maximum of one fully-funded studentship allocation is available for Overseas students across the four UCL ABViP projects being offered in 2022/23. The annual tax-free stipend for the PhD studentship is £17,983 (estimated). More information for applying as an international student can be found by clicking on this link.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. The English language level for this programme is: Standard
Deadline and Application Process
The deadline for submission is 12:00 midday on Fri 21st Jan 2022
To apply for this PhD studentship, you must submit a formal application to the Research Degree: RRDBENSING01 Research Degree: Biochemical Engineering course for 2022/23 entry through UCL’s application portal by the above deadline. More information about the course and application process is available here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/biochemical-engineering-mphil-phd