Novel multi-ion therapeutics for early caries reversal

A full scholarship is available in the School of Dentistry in 2026/27. This scholarship is open to UK applicants and covers UK/home fees plus an annual stipend of at least £23,780 from October 2026.<br /> <br /> Are you interested in cutting edge biomedical engineering to advance oral health? Do you have a desire to work at the interface of academia and industry? Would you like to join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team working at international facilities, using advanced experimental techniques and complimentary computational modelling?<br /> <br /> This is an outstanding opportunity for you to undertake an exciting PhD project at the University of Leeds as part of a doctoral training programme (DTP) in partnership with world-leading consumer health company Haleon. An enhanced annual tax-free stipend of at least £23,780 is included for 4 years, alongside UK/home tuition fees and a travel and consumables budget. The project will involve an industrial placement at Haleon which will provide a unique opportunity as a PhD student to gain insight into a career in industry and to build a valuable network of contacts for your future career.

<p>This project investigates how multiple ionic species interact with and incorporate into enamel-like apatite structures, using advanced multi-modal X-ray techniques and computational modelling. By combining synchrotron-based diffraction, three-dimensional imaging, and first-principles simulations, the research will examine how ionic substitution influences crystallographic organisation, nanoscale structure, and mechanical behaviour of enamel-relevant mineral. The work will focus on understanding how mineral structure and orientation are modified during mineral restoration processes at biologically relevant interfaces. Through integration of experimental and computational approaches, the project aims to deliver mechanistic insight into ion-mediated control of enamel biomineral structure and function. The research brings together complementary expertise across partner institutions to advance fundamental understanding of hard tissue mineralisation.</p> <p>This project is part of the <a href="https://atohr.org/">Advancing Translation of Oral Health Research</a> BBSRC-funded Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award in collaboration with Haleon. This unique collaboration spans five leading UK universities, providing students with opportunities to conduct cutting-edge oral health research while gaining valuable industry experience. The programme spans four years and includes comprehensive training in oral health research and transferable skills, preparing graduates for successful careers in academia, industry, or the public sector. Our vision is to promote an interconnected network between academia and industry through state-of-the-art interdisciplinary studentships where multi-partner co-operation will facilitate a broad range of expertise that will develop world-class PhD students. This will be catalysed by identifying core technical, analytical and interpersonal skills required by Haleon’s oral health strategy. Haleon is a global leader in consumer health, with a portfolio of world-leading brands trusted by millions of people around the globe.</p>

<p>To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application.</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Dentistry as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for a BBSRC-Haleon Scholarship</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Dentistry should normally have an Undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area. A Master’s degree is desirable, but not essential. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Dentistry is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p>We are offering 1 full-time/part-time PhD scholarship in the School of Dentistry for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant of at least £23,780 per year and UK tuition fees for four years. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress.</p> <p><strong>Other conditions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying a doctoral degree</li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1^st October 2026</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship</li> </ul>

<p>For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Maisoon Al-Jawad: <a href="mailto:m.al-jawad@leeds.ac.uk">m.al-jawad@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about the admissions process, please contact the FMH PGR Admissions Team<br /> e: <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>