This PhD position is a part of a larger project between Sheffield and Limerick with a number of industry partners, which aims, for the first time, to develop the science for distributed table top on-demand manufacturing of drug delivery systems at scale needed for personalised medicine by combining controlled green synthesis with novel intensified reactors/devices. Further details about the entire project can be found at this webpage: https://www.svplab.com/sipm-project.html.
This PhD project is flexible and will involve both experimental and computational aspects, allowing the project to be tailored to benefit the student. The general focus of the project will be to use data-driven modelling to scale up the manufacturing of drug delivery systems.
In terms of the methodology, you will use statistical design of experiments and machine learning tools to map the effects of the controlling parameters on the properties and performance of the nanomaterials. You will use a range of characterisation techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy and diffraction to investigate materials properties and their performance in drug delivery. These data will help build empirical models and provide mechanistic understanding and predictability. From both inputs from our industry partners and the understanding of material properties/performance you will optimise the broader manufacturing process.
The host department has a thriving environment within one of the UK’s top Faculties of Engineering with a vibrant research culture. This project is inherently multidisciplinary and you will receive training in many relevant techniques and transferable skills. You will contribute to lab meetings, outreach activities and the vibrant PhD communities across the University.
You will join the Green Nanomaterials Research Group (www.svplab.com) and Brown Group (http://www.browngroupsheffield.com within the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield. This PhD project is part of a larger project involving industry collaborators that you will have the opportunity to collaborate with.
This project is inherently multidisciplinary and you will receive training in many relevant techniques and transferable skills. You will contribute to lab meetings, outreach activities and the vibrant PhD communities across the University. The host department has a thriving environment within one of the UK’s top Faculties of Engineering with a vibrant research culture. The host groups are internationally leading in their fields of research. The supervisors have received awards recognising good all-round supervision and mentoring. You will participate in training on Professional Skills for Research Leaders, which includes areas such as management, science communication, supervision and scientific writing. There is a potential for visits to/placements with the academic and industry partners.
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.
The successful candidate should have, or expect to achieve, a first or upper second class UK honours degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with practical experience of research. Experience in materials chemistry (synthesis and/or characterisation) or pharmaceutical science is desirable. An ability to apply mathematical techniques is beneficial. This scholarship is open to UK applicants only.
For enquiries and application procedure, please contact: [Email Address Removed].