We invite applications for a four-year EPSRC-funded iCASE PhD studentship to work under the supervision of Prof Mark Dickman at The University of Sheffield in collaboration with Dr Eivor Örnskov at AstraZeneca.
Large RNA including messenger RNA (mRNA) has recently become a new prospective class of drug products. During manufacturing and storage of RNA and RNA drug products, the RNA itself can be chemically degraded by exposure to heat, hydrolysis, oxidation and light. In addition, the action of ribonucleases also degrades the RNA. Current analytical methods used to characterise RNA therapeutics are limited and the development of methods for the analysis of large RNA (1000-7000 nucleotides) including mRNA drug products is challenging. Therefore, there is currently significant demand for the development of new and improved analytical methods for the characterization of mRNA therapeutics including mRNA vaccines.
The aim of the proposed studentship is to develop and optimise novel high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) conditions that can be used for developing faster, robust and more informative (higher resolution) methods for the characterization of RNA and mRNA therapeutics. Initial work will focus on optimising Ion Pair Reverse Phase Liquid Chromatography (IP RP HPLC) in conjunction with high temperature separations for the analysis of large RNA and mRNA therapeutics. During the project the student will gain expertise in HPLC method development and analysis, mass spectrometry, RNA biochemistry and gel electrophoresis.
For more information contact: [Email Address Removed] https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe/people/academic-staff/mark-dickman.
Please see this link for information on how to apply: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe/postgraduate/phd/how-apply. Please include the name of your proposed supervisor and the title of the PhD project within your application.
Applicants should have a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree in chemistry, bioscience, biochemical engineering or a related discipline. Experience working in a research laboratory is desirable. All applicants should have a strong interest in analytical science. If English is not your first language then you must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) average of 6.5 or above with at least 6.0 in each component, or equivalent. Please see this link for further information: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/english-language.
The studentships are available to UK and international students. The new UKRI eligibility requirements for international students (published Oct 2020) can be found here: https://www.ukri.org/our-work/developing-people-and-skills/find-studentships-and-doctoral-training/get-a-studentship-to-fund-your-doctorate/.
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