EPSRC studentship with AstraZeneca: Smart Sorbents for Cost-Effective, Sustainable Oligonucleotide & Oligopeptide Purification

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a versatile class of porous materials composed of metal clusters/ions and organic linkers, offering exceptional surface areas, tuneable pore structures and functionalities. These properties make MOFs highly attractive for applications in separation science. One particularly promising but underexplored application is the purification of oligonucleotides and oligopeptides (collectively termed TIDES), which are rapidly growing therapeutics used to treat a wide range of diseases including cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurological conditions. However, current TIDES manufacturing processes are highly inefficient, with purification alone contributing to significant economic cost and environmental impact due to extensive solvent use and poor selectivity.<br /> <br /> In collaboration with AstraZeneca, this project will explore MOFs as next-generation sorbents for selective and sustainable TIDES purification. Using both computational and experimental approaches, MOFs will be developed to selectively separate target TIDES over structurally similar by-products. MOF stability and performance will be tested under realistic conditions and benchmarked against current industry methods. The understanding generated of MOF synthesis, structure–function relationships, and adsorption behaviour will facilitate rational material selection and process optimisation, reducing solvent usage and resource intensity in TIDES manufacturing. Ultimately, this project will establish a new paradigm for purification in pharmaceutical manufacturing, delivering more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable production of next-generation therapeutics.<br /> <br /> The successful PhD candidate will gain a highly interdisciplinary and industry-relevant skill set central to advancing sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing. They will acquire expertise in materials chemistry (MOF synthesis and characterisation), computational modelling, and advanced analytical methods for biological macromolecules. This project would suit an ambitious and innovative researcher who enjoys tackling complex challenges, is eager to learn new skills, and is enthusiastic about working within a diverse and interdisciplinary team across academia and industry.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Benefits and Facilities:</strong></p> <p>This is an exciting opportunity to join the School of Chemistry, working across three of the University of Leeds flagship research institutes. The Institute of Process Research and Development (iPRD), comprising over 65 scientists and engineers with world leading expertise in closed-loop manufacturing processes, machine learning, and online analytics, offers access to state-of-the-art facilities. These include PAT instrumented scale up reactors, custom built microwave flow chemistry platforms, and advanced analytical instrumentation, providing unparalleled access to industrial grade process development tools. Access to cutting edge equipment and facilities worth over £100M is also available in the Bragg Centre for Materials Research. In addition, the Astbury Centre for Molecular Structural Biology provides exceptional capabilities in structural mass spectrometry, protein production, and specialised expertise in oligonucleotide characterisation. The School of Chemistry at Leeds provides outstanding postgraduate research training and has a strong track record of postgraduates who progress to positions in academic, industrial and commercial organisations across the globe.</p> <p>The successful candidate will also benefit from a unique opportunity to undertake a fully funded 3 month placement at AstraZeneca’s state of the art research and development facilities in Macclesfield. During the placement, they will work closely with experienced AstraZeneca scientists, gaining valuable insight into industrial research practices and accessing specialist equipment and advanced analytical capabilities not typically available in an academic setting. This will provide hands on experience in translating research into real world pharmaceutical applications, as well as the opportunity to build networks within a leading global pharmaceutical company.</p> <p>The project will be supervised by Dr Andrea Laybourn and Dr Orde Munro (School of Chemistry and Institute of Process Research and Development), and Professor Frank Sobott (Astbury Centre for Molecular Structural Biology), all at the University of Leeds, together with Dr Louis Diorazio at AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK.</p>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>‘Appli</strong><strong>cation type’</strong> please select <strong>‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’</strong>. <br /> •    The <strong>admission year</strong> for this project is <strong>2026/27 Academic Year</strong>. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>‘Planned Course of Study’</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select ‘<strong>EPSRC DTP – Engineering</strong>’. <br /> •    The <strong>project start date</strong> for this project is<strong> 1 October 2026</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>EPSRC studentship with AstraZeneca: Smart Sorbents for Cost-Effective, Sustainable Oligonucleotide & Oligopeptide Purification</strong> as well as <strong><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/institute-process-research-development/staff/16055/dr-andrea-laybourn">Dr Andrea Laybourn</a> </strong>as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>Applications will be reviewed and assessed after the closing date of Tuesday 30 June 2026. We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early. </p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Tuesday 30 June 2026 or at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</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 research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 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. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Training Partnershipship Award, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Training Partnership Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is 1 funded place available.  If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.</li> </ul> <p>If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UK fees/funding, please visit the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJ.S.Hewer%40leeds.ac.uk%7C07632c93c06a442dca3d08ddfc172939%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C638943898649349324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nylGSov8jOc7hr6X%2FmfnfQPecbVUnGqgoSqVgPGy5K0%3D&reserved=0">UKCISA</a> website or our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> regarding fee status for Non-UK nationals.</p> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.  </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026, or soon after that. </li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>If you are interested in this project or have any questions, please do contact the project supervisor, Dr Andrea Laybourn by emailing <a href="mailto:A.Laybourn@leeds.ac.uk">A.Laybourn@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p> <p>For further information about your application, including how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by emailing <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>