This cross-disciplinary PhD project is between the School of Biomedical Science at University of West London (UWL) and School of Pharmacy at UCL to investigate the feasibility of developing inhalation form of biotherapeutics for severe chronic inflammatory diseases. PhD candidate will spend an equal time in both institutions to first prepare the biotherapeutic conjugates in Dr Khalili’s ([Email Address Removed]) research lab [ https://www.uwl.ac.uk/biotherapeutic-drug-development ] and then formulate it for pulmonary application in Dr Lam’s ([Email Address Removed]) research lab [ https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pharmacy/people/dr-jenny-lam ]. The main aim of this PhD project is to address an unmet clinical need to develop a new biotherapeutic-based molecule, bispecific antibody mimetic, in the form of inhaled dry powder to treat severe asthma disease. Inhaled dry powder has the advantages of better stability for long-term storage and transportation, and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are portable and simple to use.
To this end, a combination of pharmaceutical expertise (bispecific antibodies, antibody conjugation, characterisation, purification, protein-protein binding interaction techniques, inhaled formulation development, spray drying, freeze-spray drying, cell cultures and in-vitro assays), will be used.
Supervision
You will be jointly supervised by Dr Hanieh Khalili ([Email Address Removed]) and Dr Jenny Lam ([Email Address Removed]) at UCL School of Pharmacy.
Requirements
- You must have an MPharm or MSc degree (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) in an area pertinent to the subject area, i.e. Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or Biological Science.
- You must have a high standard undergraduate degree at UK 1st class or 2:1 level (or international equivalent)
- You must be fluent in spoken and written English
- Where English is not the applicant’s first language, a minimum IELTS Academic English score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components is required.
- You must have excellent communication skills and be able to organise your own work and prioritise work to meet deadlines
- Strong academic track record and practical skills are desired
- Any published scientific papers would be a plus
How to apply
For further information about the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships please visit our website: www.uwl.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/phd-opportunities
Application deadline: Friday 9 December 2022
Interviews will take place between 19 December 2022 and 19 January 2023
When completing your online application please state the project title in your personal statement. Applications will only be accepted via the online application form.
Applications must include the following:
- Full CV, with a list of any significant course projects and/or industrial experience
- A 2-page research statement indicating what you see are interesting research issues relating to the above PhD topic description and why your expertise is relevant
- Academic transcripts/grades
- A copy of publications of the applicant (if any)
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