Cryopreservation of T-cells for improved transport and Therapy

About the Project

All modern biotechnology, basic cell biology research and many advanced medicines rely on a cold chain to delivery intact and viable cells. To achieve this cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) are required. Conventional cryopreservation with DMSO is inefficient and leads to slow post-thaw cell growth, which constrains many application areas. We have a major research interest in developing new cryoprotectants, which we achieve with bottom-up science, rather than only reformulating known CPAs, to target specific mechanisms of damage. In particular inspiration from natural macromolecular cryoprotectants (ice binding proteins) to both understand why the cells suffer post-thaw, but to also improve and scale the process. We have made major contributions in this area, including the use of Machine learning to discover new cryoprotectants [Nature Communications 2024, 15, 8082], macromolecular cryoprotectants [ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2023, 15, 2630] and also for cold-chain free protein storage [Nature, 2024, 631, 544]

In this PhD, which is co-funded by an industrial partner, we will look to improve the storage of several biotechnologically relevant cell lines with the aim of accelerating bioprocessing. There will be opportunities to visit our industry partner (based in Northern England).

We have world-class facilities for this work, in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, including dedicated microscopy facilities (high content and confocal) flow cytometers and other associated facilities. Our group webpage is here https://gibsongroupresearch.com where additional information can be found.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. Experience of cell culture will be a benefit.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants and EU students with settled status. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

Please send a 2 page CV (max) including publications, research experience and grades to Professor Gibson (matt.gibson@manchester.ac.uk)

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

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.

After you have applied 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
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (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)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.