Rheological studies of self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels towards injectable biocompatible hydrogels for cells and drugs in-vivo delivery

About the Project

Self-funded PhD Opportunity: Rheological studies of self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels towards injectable biocompatible hydrogels for cells and drugs in-vivo delivery

We are advertising for a self-funded PhD position on an exciting opportunity to study the linear and nonlinear rheological properties of self-assembled polypeptide hydrogels (SAPH). This interdisciplinary project aims to enhance our understanding of the biomechanical properties of SAPHs and their underlying mechanisms for applications as an injectable hydrogel carrier in cell and drug delivery.

This class of hydrogels are made of supramolecular fibres from self-assembled short peptides which form a three-dimensional network of self-supporting hydrogels [1]. They are widely used in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and ease of being finely engineered [2,3]. The rheology of these hydrogels and how different physicochemical changes affect biomechanical properties is an important factor in completing the picture to fine-tune the hydrogels for different applications. This project will also expand into modelling the rheological properties across different length scales to create a holistic understanding of flow behaviour.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in the intersection of biochemistry, physics and chemical engineering and access to cutting-edge research facilities. They will work under the supervision of Dr. Steph Flores (steph.flores@manchester.ac.uk) in the Multiscale Modelling and Simulations group at the Department of Chemical Engineering and co-supervised with Prof. Alberto Saiani (a.saiani@manchester.ac.uk) and Prof. Aline Miller (aline.miller@manchester.ac.uk) in the Polymer and Peptides Research Group at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester. The student will be benefiting from a dynamic academic environment and very strong industrial applications and translational opportunities in the biomedical sector. This interdisciplinary PhD is ideal for candidates with a background in chemical engineering, physics, soft matter science, biochemistry, and/or related disciplines.

Objectives:

• Linear and nonlinear characterization of hydrogels across different formulations (pH, salt/peptide concentrations, type of peptides)
• Development of a multi-scale rheological model for SAPHs.

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.

Funding

This 3.5 year project is self-funded.

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled.