About the Project Lipid- and polymer-based nanoparticles have emerged as transformative platforms for the delivery of nucleic acids and other
advanced therapeutics. However, their targeting efficiency remains suboptimal, and their clinical application has largely been limited to injectable formulations. This PhD project will develop and optimise bio-inspired nanoparticle systems for targeted drug delivery, with a focus on their design, formulation, physicochemical characterisation, and evaluation of drug delivery performance. Drawing inspiration from biological structures and processes, the project will explore biomimetic engineering strategies to enhance nanoparticle stability, cellular interactions, and targeted delivery. The research will be centred on emerging nanomedicine modalities, such as RNA and proteins/peptides. Through the integration of biomaterials engineering, pharmaceutical formulation, and nanomedicine, this work aims to establish bio-inspired nanoparticles as a versatile platform for next-generation targeted therapeutics that are not limited to administration by injection. This scholarship is open to all applicants regardless of their fee status. It covers both tuition fees and a tax-free contribution to maintenance costs of £25,000 per annum for 42 months. The Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London offers an advanced 3-4-year research degree that provides in-depth specialist training and knowledge in a topical area pertaining to Chemical Engineering and related Engineering and Science disciplines. The Department has state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities and is the home of the Automated high-throughput platform suite , the Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering and the Sustainable Futures Lab . The Department holds a Silver Athena Swan award for good practice in supporting academic women and gender equality renewed in 2024. This award recognises the good practices already in place for supporting women at all stages as well as our commitment to removing barriers to equal progress and achievement. Deadline: 01 November 2026 for the first selection round 11 January 2027 for the second selection round 01 March 2027 for the third selection round (subject to availability of scholarships) In order to be considered for the Chemical Engineering PhD Scholarships, you will need to submit your PhD application for admission through the online admissions system . Full details on the application and selection process can be found on our webpages . We encourage all interested applicants to contact Prof Rongjun Chen (rongjun.chen@imperial.ac.uk) before making an application.
