Multifunctional hybrid porous silica nanoparticles for stimuli-responsive delivery of novel antimicrobial agents

The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant superbugs poses a serious global health and socioeconomic threat. This project builds upon our expertise in the facile and scalable synthesis of novel, highly uniform porous silica nanoparticles for drug delivery. The student will now extend the application of this novel system to further develop smart porous silica nanoparticles that are sensitive to the infection microenvironment for the improved delivery of promising antimicrobial agents. This approach is expected to lead to enhancements of the safety and efficacy of current infectious disease therapies. This project will suit a self-motivated student with a keen interest to use novel nanotechnologies to address real-world biomedical problems. The student will join an interdisciplinary team to synthesise and characterise the multifunctional porous silica nanoparticles that are sensitive to biochemical changes at bacterial infection sites as well as evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility of the novel nanomedicine.<br /> <br /> Candidates are expected to possess a minimum of an upper second class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant Physics, Chemistry, Engineering/Materials science, or Pharmaceutical/biomedical science background. The student will gain hands-on experience in a wide range of interdisciplinary research skills such as nanoparticle synthesis, materials characterisation (e.g. transmission and scanning electron microscopes, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering) as well as mammalian and bacterial culture. This project will be supervised by Dr Zhan Ong (School of Physics and Astronomy/Leeds Institute of Medical Research) and Dr Andrew Kirby (School of Medicine). The student will therefore benefit from working in a vibrant and multidisciplinary environment in the Bragg Centre for Materials Research as well as with staff and students from the Schools of Physics and Medicine at the University of Leeds. Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr. Ong (z.y.ong@leeds.ac.uk). Applications are invited on an on-going basis but early expressions of interest are strongly encouraged.<br />

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study that you are applying for in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em>Multifunctional hybrid porous silica nanoparticles for stimuli-responsive delivery of novel antimicrobial agents&nbsp;</em>as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4120/dr-zhan-yuin-ong">Dr Zhan Ong</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><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> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents at the point you submit your application:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Funding information including any alternative sources of funding that you are applying for or if you are able to pay your own fees and maintenance</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</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 style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong>&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> are available to UK applicants. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a>&nbsp;is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP).&nbsp; <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> &ndash; &nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a>&nbsp;is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP).&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to nationals of China. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Important:&nbsp;</strong> Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are <strong>not</strong> covered under this studentship.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information regarding your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>For further information regarding the project, please contact Dr Zhan Ong by email: <a href="mailto:Z.Y.Ong@leeds.ac.uk">Z.Y.Ong@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>