The University of Nottingham has a long-standing reputation for world-class research. The School of Pharmacy is ranked 5th in the world (2021 QS World Rankings) for pharmacy and pharmacology and was recently awarded an Athena Swan Silver award. The School was also ranked joint 1st in the UK rankings on quality of research for Pharmacy Schools in the most recent Research and Excellence Framework (REF) and has a strong collegial ethos.
There is a need for improved three-dimensional (3D) cell disease models to allow the testing of potential therapeutic treatments in biologically relevant environments. Recent research from Nottingham has demonstrated the potential of peptide amphiphile (PA)-protein gels, to develop models for ovarian and pancreatic cancer. Despite this, the optimization of such gels is a lengthy process, with the analysis of key characteristics such as matrix nanostructure and mechanical properties presenting a significant challenge. There is therefore a need to develop new analytical approaches to guide their development and this project will explore the potential of state-of-the-art biophysical techniques to meet this requirement.
This 3.5 year PhD project, based in the School of Pharmacy will utilize state-of-the-art microscopy and complementary instrumentation available within the School and wider university. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) instrumentation will be employed to interrogate the nanoscale structure and mechanical properties of peptide-protein gels, and data compared to that obtained through bulk assays of material properties and performance in tissue culture.
This multi-disciplinary project combines analytical science with materials and physical sciences. The project will be highly analytical with a focus on understanding how the molecular properties/interactions within protein-peptide gels relate to those of 3D scaffolds for cell culture, and in turn how these can be tuned for desired applications. This project seeks to make the most of the world leading capabilities and facilities available at the University of Nottingham particularly in biomaterials design and biophysical analysis.
The successful candidate will:
- Receive the training needed for a professional career as a multidisciplinary analytical scientist
- Receive a full studentship tax free (fees and stipend at UK/EU rates) for 3.5 years
- Work directly with leading academics
- Receive a travel and consumable allowance
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