Injectable polymer-bound catalysts for targeted chemotherapy

Polymer-bound palladium nanoparticles have the potential to catalyse the reaction from harmless circulating prodrug to potent chemotherapeutic at the tumour site, thereby circumventing systemic side effects. This project aims at harnessing this potential for clinical use, by developing synthetic injectable hydrogels to act as carriers for palladium catalysts.

The Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3) is an excellent environment for PhD research. The institute applies advances in the chemical, physical, and engineering sciences to enable and enhance life science research. The interdisciplinary research interests and state-of-the-art facilities provide a unique environment for integrative research.

We aim to maintain a world-leading centre of excellence, building on a strong foundation of genuine inter-disciplinary research, a strong and diverse funding record and an extensive extra-mural collaborative network.

Requirements
All applicants must have or expect to have a 1st class MChem, MPhys, MSci, MEng or equivalent degree by Autumn 2019. Selection will be based on academic excellence and research potential, and all short-listed applicants will be interviewed (in person or by Skype). DTP’s are only open to UK/EU applicants.

Closing Date
All applications must be received by 8th February 2019. All successful candidates must commence studies by 1st December 2019 at the very latest.

How to Apply
When applying through the Heriot-Watt on-line system please ensure you provide the following information:

(a) in ‘Study Option’
You will need to select ‘Edinburgh’ and ‘Postgraduate Research’. ‘Programme’ presents you with a drop-down menu. Choose Bio-Engineering & Bio-Science PhD, Chemistry PhD, Physics PhD, Chemical Engineering PhD, Mechanical Engineering PhD or Electrical PhD as appropriate and select October 2018 for study option (this can be updated at a later date if required)
(b) in ‘Research Project Information’
You will be provided with a free text box for details of your research project. Enter Title and Reference number of the project for which you are applying and also enter the supervisor’s name.

This information will greatly assist us in tracking your application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application, it will not be considered until you have uploaded your CV and transcripts.