We invite applications for a four year EPSRC DTP CASE Conversion to work under the supervision of Prof Mark Dickman and Dr Zoltán Kis at the University of Sheffield in collaboration with our industry partner Dr Patrick King (RedShift Bio).
mRNA therapeutics currently have a market value of >$40 billion, which is estimated to grow to over $100 billion by 2026. In one of the greatest scientific accomplishments of our generation, mRNA technology has demonstrated the ability to change the timeline for developing and delivering a new vaccine from years to months. The potential of mRNA technology for rapid vaccine development has recently been highlighted by the successful development and approval of two mRNA vaccines for COVID-19. Importantly, this RNA-based approach holds promise for treatments beyond vaccines and infectious diseases to diverse biologics as treatments for cancer, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and autoimmune diseases.
Current analytical methods to characterise mRNA vaccines/therapeutics is limited and the development of methods for the analysis of mRNA therapeutics including mRNA vaccines is challenging because the manufacturing process results in the production of many closely related impurities that can be difficult to resolve and identify. This project aims to develop and optimise novel spectroscopic methods that can be used for developing faster, quantitative and more informative methods for the characterization of mRNA vaccines. These tools are essential for improving current mRNA manufacturing methods.
Training will be offered in a wide range of biochemical and analytical methods including mRNA synthesis, mRNA purification and Microfluidic Modulation Spectroscopy (MMS).
This is a prestigious EPSRC DTP CASE Conversion which will cover PhD stipend and fees for 4 years. The studentship is supported by RedShift Bio, who will enhance its tax-free stipend to approx. £20,010 p.a (subject to annual increase) and will provide a period of placement and training opportunities within the company's research laboratories.
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 first class or upper second class honours degree in chemistry, bioscience, biochemical engineering or a related discipline, or a merit or distinction in a suitable MSc. 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.
For more information contact:
[Email Address Removed]
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe/people/academic-staff/mark-dickman
To Apply
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