Developing Therapeutic Materials for The Treatment - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom - The Open University UK

The Open University UK

Verified Company

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Unit:
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Salary:
Stipend: £ 18,622 per year

Location:
Milton Keynes

Please quote reference:
PHD/LHCS

Closing Date: 9 February, :00

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 mínimal 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

This three-year research studentship is funded by the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at The Open University and provides a stipend of £18,622 per year (2023/24 rate, indexed annually) and all academic fees are covered.

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

How to Apply

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: 9th
February 2024

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

Posting Date: 22 January, :00