School Funded PhD Studentship available in the University of Huddersfield’s School of Applied Sciences: Hydrogel-mediated delivery of repurposed antimicrobial agents for the targeted suppression of burn wound-associated bacterial pathogens.

About the Project

The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is a growing global health crisis. By 2050, it is projected that AMR-related deaths will surpass cancer as the leading cause of global mortality. The process of developing a drug, from initial discovery through to regulatory approval, is estimated to take ~10–15 years and cost ~$2–3 billion. One potential avenue to be explored is drug repurposing, this selects for pre-existing FDA approved drugs (which have already been approved for medical use) with serendipitous antimicrobial activity. Drug repurposing significantly reduces both the financial and temporal costs of drug development. Globally, infections are observed in 26.9% of patients with burn wounds (with 42-65% of deaths attributed directly to infection). Key bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa drive pathogenesis, resulting in polymicrobial biofilm formation, and enhanced resistance to current treatments. This project aims to 1) identify novel therapeutic agents with antimicrobial activity against burn-wound associated bacterial pathogens, 2) develop a biofilm model which is more physiologically relevant of the polymicrobial nature of burn wounds and, 3) incorporation of lead candidate drugs into hydrogel coatings and efficacy testing against human epithelial cells and a porcine burn wound model.

For subject specific enquiries please contact: a.j.slate@hud.ac.uk.

Name of supervisor(s) - Dr. Anthony Slate

Fully funded PhD research scholarships are offered in the School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, for an October 2026 start.

Please note that there are more projects than funded scholarships available, therefore this is a competitive application process. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview by the 18th June 2026. The interviews will be held on campus on the 25th June 2026. After interview the most outstanding applicants will be offered a scholarship.

Application Details

You must submit your application in full by Friday 5th June 2026, including the following documents:

• A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
• Full CV
• Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
• Provide references from two individuals – please contact your referees and ask them to send your reference directly to gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.ukfrom their email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by 12th June 2026)
• Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page

Please email gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.ukwith queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Summary of Award

Type of Award Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Eligibility Open to home applicants only. Applicants must have an upper-class degree or above, in a related field or be in line for this award in the 2026 summer examinations.

Location Huddersfield

Funding 3 years full-time research covering tuition fees and a tax-free bursary (stipend) starting at £21,805 for 2026/27.