Nanomaterials for targeted cancer imaging and therapy - (ENG 1524)

Funded 3-year PhD studentship, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham

Supervisory team: Dr Lyudmila Turyanska, Dr Tracey Bradshaw, Prof Neil R Thomas

Theranostic nanomaterials offer exciting opportunities for non-invasive imaging and targeted drug delivery for treatment of cancers. This project will be developed at University of Nottingham (UK) in collaboration with National Research Council Canada (Ottawa). The overall project aim is to develop targeted nanoparticles with optical emission in the wavelength range of low absorption of biological tissues for deep tissue imaging. Surface functionalization and protein encapsulation approaches will be employed to combine imaging agent, targeting molecule and therapeutic agent within one nanostructure. These novel nano-constructs will be developed, optical properties will be optimized and anticancer activity will be interrogated.

The PhD candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team at Nottingham (Engineering, Pharmacy and Chemistry) and should have an opportunity for research visits to Canada for in vivo studies. During this project, the PhD candidate will gain experience in colloidal synthesis, nanomaterials characterization, in vitro assessment of therapeutic activity and (travel permitting) in vivo evaluation.

Requirements of the studentship

Eligibility

·    Due to funding restrictions, the position is only available to home/UK candidates. The successful candidate will receive a stipend and the university fees (duration 36 month).

·    Candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a 1^st -class or 2:1 degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, or related discipline.

How to apply

Please email a covering letter, CV (including the names and contact details of two academic referees) and academic transcripts to [Email Address Removed] referring to the project title. Please note that applications without academic transcripts will not be considered.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Turyanska [Email Address Removed]

Closing date: applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed, therefore early application is advised.