Development of Novel Pulmonary Biotherapeutics for Chronic Inflammatory Airway Diseases: Integrating PBPK Modelling for Formulation Optimisation

We are offering a funded PhD position for a highly motivated and talented candidate to join an innovative research project focused on the development of novel pulmonary biotherapeutics for chronic inflammatory airway diseases, such as asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. This project will apply physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling to optimise the formulation and delivery of biotherapeutics to the lungs.

The PhD candidate will have the unique opportunity to work across two prestigious research labs. Develop and apply PBPK models to simulate drug delivery and optimise formulation parameters in Dr. Jamie Chien-Ming Hsieh’s lab (c.hsieh@kent.ac.uk) at the University of Kent. Formulate and optimize biotherapeutics for pulmonary delivery in collaboration with Dr. Jenny Lam’s lab (jenny.lam@ucl.ac.uk) at University College London. This includes developing advanced inhalable formulations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, or dry powder inhalers tailored for lung delivery. The project offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining pharmaceutical sciences, computational modelling, and pulmonary disease biology, with a strong potential for clinical translation.

This project integrates physicochemical properties and release kinetics of the biotherapeutic into PBPK models to predict the drug’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME). The model will be used to optimise key formulation parameters for effective pulmonary delivery. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge research at the intersection of biotherapeutics and computational modelling, with the potential to significantly impact the treatment of chronic airway diseases. We encourage motivated candidates with a passion for innovation in drug development to apply.

As an equal opportunities institution we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in an area pertinent to the subject area, i.e. Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmacy, Chemistry or Biomedical Science and Biological Science.

How to Apply:

To apply, please go to: https://msp.ac.uk/postgraduate/?course_id=171&course_level=postgraduate

You will need to apply through the online application form on the main University website. Please note that you will be expected to provide personal details, education and employment

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Funding Notes:

Funded PhD Programme: This school-funded position offers a competitive monthly allowance of £1,600. The studentship covers home tuition fees and includes an annual bench fee allowance of £1,000.

The studentship is open to both UK and international applicants. Please note that candidates with international fee status will be required to cover any difference between the home and international tuition fees.

Enquiries:

Dr. Jamie Chien-Ming Hsieh; c.hsieh@kent.ac.uk