Understanding and preventing the denaturation of proteins on surfaces in manufacture, storage and delivery of biotherapeutics

Protein and peptide therapeutics are pharmaceutical drug treatments derived from natural sources. They are applied to a range of diseases from diabetes to novel cancer therapies. One issue with the manufacture of such drugs is the interaction of the proteins with the surfaces of the materials used in the processing and storage. With regards to these processes, our knowledge is limited in how such denaturation occurs, i.e. does it occur during adsorption on the surface of the materials, or are shear forces, which tend at be higher close to the surface, in a fluid during manufacture more important.

In this project you will study the interaction of some model peptides and proteins with the surfaces of different materials, such as steels, glasses, PTFE and PEEK, using near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and vibrational sum-frequency spectroscopy under static and flowing conditions. This will allow us to determine how these materials lead to denaturation of the surfaces, and how the surface charge on these materials contributes to these processes.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

How to apply:

You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply

When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: 

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications

• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress

• CV

• You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)

• English Language certificate (if applicable)

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [Email Address Removed].

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor to discuss the application before you apply. The email address for Dr Andrew Thomas is [Email Address Removed].

The duration of the PhD is 3.5 years and the proposed start date is 1st October.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).