PhD Studentship: Developing Therapeutic Materials for the Treatment of Diabetic Wounds

Location:  Milton Keynes

Project summary

Diabetes causes wounds to heal more slowly and sometimes not at all. Diabetic wounds can readily become infected and are associated with a high proportion of all amputations. Currently, diabetic foot ulcers have a 5-year mortality rate comparable to cancer. The chronic nature of diabetic wound infections leads to a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistant bacterial isolates. New and improved classes of wound dressings are therefore urgently required, that provide sustained release of antimicrobial agents and which have minimal potential for bacteria to develop resistance mechanisms.

This multidisciplinary project will use a range of material synthesis approaches to formulate improved wound dressings. These will include 3D printing, electrospinning and film formulation using hydrogels. The active agents with antimicrobial activity, based on a range of different nanoparticles, will be encapsulated into these materials. The project aims to understand how sustained release of the nanoparticles can be achieved, to prevent overdosing and extend product lifespan. Additionally, investigating how composition of the dressing can be optimised, will potentially facilitate the development of personalised wound care treatments, tailored for individual diabetic patients.

Further information

3 year 3 month studentship as part of EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership; Stipend £18,622 per annum; Training grant £4,500.

Final Funding Decision: Late April/early May 2024. This is part of a pooled EPSRC-DTP process, so the selected applicant will be put forward to a reviewing panel in April for final decisions. Applicants will be notified if they are selected, and will be informed of the panel decision afterwards

The project is supervised by Nick Chatterton. The student would be required to live in the UK and within commuting distance of The Open University in Milton Keynes.

Applicants will be expected to have a good undergraduate degree (upper second class or higher) in materials science, bioengineering, chemistry, pharmacy, chemical engineering, microbiology and related disciplines with a significant amount of laboratory experience. Applicants with prior experience of research projects are encouraged to apply.

This project will be well-suited to candidates who:

• have a can-do attitude to solving problems
• enjoy learning new techniques and laboratory work
• have excellent communication skills

Informal enquiries relating to the project should be directed to Dr Nick Chatterton (email: [email protected]  ).

How to Apply

Please send an email with your CV, a completed application form  and a personal statement (max. 2 pages outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date) to [email protected]

You can find more information in the following link: http://www.open.ac.uk/science/life-health-chemical-sciences/phd-studentships-vacancies

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) –

Where a student neither comes from one of the countries listed in Table 1 or has a degree from one of the countries listed in Table 2 they will have to pass one of the Home Office approved English language tests, at an approved test centre. See further information here . We recommend an IELTS SELT Consortium test.

Closing date:  16th  February 2024

Interview date: Online Interviews will be arranged promptly after the closing date.

LHCS holds Athena Swan Bronze Status. We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.