Advanced Microneedle Technologies for Drug Delivery and Immunology Applications

About the Project

Microneedles are rapidly emerging as opportunistic therapeutic platforms, ranging from drug delivery systems to vaccine therapeutics. These minimally invasive technologies provide several benefits from multiple angles including the patient, the community and even logistics. This PhD programme focuses on advancing the state-of-the-art through novel materials and/or advanced engineering methods and concepts, whereby a multi-component approach will be used in the development of novel microneedle systems. Complimentary and/or coupled technologies will be developed, enabling controlled or trigger-based release concepts, combining both physical and potentially electrical means. Such systems will deliver drug/active compound on demand, when needed.

Projects will focus on the design, development, analysis and function of microneedle systems. Further, detailed analysis using in vitro, in silico and potential ex-vivo assessments will provide greater insights and developmental platforms e.g. adopting enhanced skin culture models as well assessing toxicity and viability/stability of developed formulations). Advanced testing will be taken in conjunction with research collaborators nationally and internationally. Projects will comprise a multidisciplinary academic team (and candidate) will benefit from the state-of-the-art and pioneering research facilities at University of Manchester.

Access to specialised equipment, such as electron microscopy, spectrophotometers, bioimaging facilities, biological services and formulation analysis; will support materials development, characterisation, release kinetics and biological testing. Successful candidates will learn a wide range of analytical techniques (e.g. ATR-FTIR, HPLC, UV-Vis, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Oscillatory Rheology) and other material characterisation (Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM), AFM and X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS)). Candidates will also be encouraged (under the direction of thesupervisory team) to participate in meetings with SME/commercial entities during the project.

These cutting-edge projects are aimed to distil a high level of knowledge and know-how for incoming candidates to facilitate their career in the biomaterial and pharmaceutical remits.

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 Bachelors Degree with Honours (or equivalent) in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related subject. A Master’s degree in a relevant field and/or experience in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical technologies, Drug delivery, Industrial pharmacy, or a related area is desirable but not essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong willingness to learn across various scientific disciplines.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

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. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester)

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 2 (med) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website View Website