PhD Studentship: Scalable bio-manufacture of next generation narrow spectrum antibiotics

Application details:
Reference number: CG-DJM-1805
Start date: July 2018
Closing date: Friday 6th April 2018
Interview date: week commencing 16th April 2018

The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria is a serious global threat to human and animal health. The development pipeline for new classes of novel antibiotics is not looking promising. The proposed research aims at developing underpinning platform technologies for the scalable manufacture of novel narrow spectrum antibiotics such as bacteriophages and bacteriocins. The specificity of narrow spectrum antibiotics and their potential role in maintaining healthy microbiota makes them a promising alternative to employing conventional broad spectrum antibiotics.

The project will focus on undertaking experimental work looking to optimise the upstream bioreactor production and the impact of this on downstream purification and formulation of the product. A number of research students in the group are developing advanced formulation and encapsulation approaches to microencapsulate the antibiotics in controlled release systems. This project will be a key link between various research projects so you will be working as part of a wider interdisciplinary research team.

The successful applicant will join a world leading biotherapeutics research group lead by Dr. Danish Malik. You will be part of a community of research students and Post-Doctoral researchers working in the group focusing on the development of next generation antibiotics. The research has significant commercial potential and would suit a candidate who is excited about working in a translational research area.

Find out more:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/

Loughborough University
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biological Sciences e.g Microbiology or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: familiarity with microbiological aseptic techniques, mathematical modelling, numerical analysis.

Funding information:
Please note that these studentships will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to this project. Due to funding restrictions this studentship is restricted to UK/EU nationals only.

If awarded, the 3 year studentship will provide a tax-free stipend of £14,786 p.a (provisional), plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate (currently £4,262 p.a). Successful candidates will be notified by 1st June 2018 at the latest. The successful candidate must start their PhD in July 2018.

Please ensure that you are aware of any funding restriction attached to this studentship – particularly for Research Council funded positions.

Contact details:
Name: Dr Danish Javed Malik
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44 01509 222507

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select PhD in Chemical Engineering

Please quote reference number: CG-DJM-1805