Development of novel itraconazole nanoparticles for the treatment of mycetoma

About the Project

SLS-SF1: Development of novel itraconazole nanoparticles for the treatment of mycetoma.

Mycetoma is a chronic, debilitating infectious disease that disproportionately affects populations in low-resource countries. The fungal form of the disease, eumycetoma, is particularly challenging to treat, often requiring prolonged antifungal therapy and extensive surgery, with high rates of recurrence.

This PhD project aims to address a critical unmet clinical need by developing innovative drug-delivery systems to improve the effectiveness of antifungal treatment. The project will focus on reformulating itraconazole, a commonly used antifungal drug, into nanoparticle-based systems designed to enhance drug penetration into mycetoma lesions. These nanoparticles will be incorporated into injectable in-situ gels to enable sustained, localised drug release directly at the site of infection.

The successful candidate will gain interdisciplinary training in pharmaceutical formulation, nanomedicine, advanced drug delivery systems, and drug safety and efficacy testing, with relevance to global health and neglected tropical diseases. The project offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful research with the potential to improve outcomes for patients affected by mycetoma.

Applicants with backgrounds in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences, chemistry, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Please contact Dr. Abeer Mohamed Ahmed to discuss: a.mohamedahmed@westminster.ac.uk

All doctoral researchers will have access to comprehensive personal and professional development training and a mentoring programme from the University of Westminster Graduate School. The researchers will join a School committed to decolonising and diversifying policies, practices and cultures within and beyond Higher Education.

Entry requirements and how to apply.

Candidates should have a minimum classification of 2.1 in their Bachelor's degree or equivalent, and preferably a Master’s degree. Applicants whose secondary level education has not been conducted in the medium of English should also demonstrate evidence of appropriate English language proficiency normally defined as IELTS: 6.5 (overall score with not less than 6.0 in any of the individual elements). You can read more about our entry requirements here: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements

How to apply: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/how-to-apply-for-a-research-degree

You can read more about what should be in a PhD research proposal here: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements/how-to-write-your-research-proposal

And about our Graduate School and the support they provide: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school

To make an application, follow the link below to apply for the programme most appropriate to your research: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/research-areas/school-of-life-sciences

Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday, 15th May 2026. Interviews will take place in June.

You must include the code and title of the studentship you are applying for in your application header, i.e. “SLS-SF1 Studentship”.

For queries about any aspect of the application process or informal enquiries, contact our Doctoral Coordinator, Dr Polly Hayes: p.hayes@westminster.ac.uk