PhD Research Studentships
Design of next generation RNA delivery vectors
| Supervisor: | Julien GAUTROT |
| Apply by: | 29 January 2025 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
A studentship in the chemistry of RNA delivery vectors is available in the group of Prof J. Gautrot at QMUL (http://biointerfaces.qmul.ac.uk). RNA delivery plays an increasing role in biotechnologies and the development of a new generation of therapeutics, from the treatment of cancer to the development of new RNA vaccines. Our lab has recently demonstrated the excellent performance of polymer brushes for the delivery of RNA, but the precise engineering of their chemical and physico-chemical structure for such applications remains vastly unexplored. In this project, novel polymer brush architectures enabling the delivery of RNA with antiviral will be designed. Their physico-chemical properties and assembly with RNA macromolecules will be characterized. Finally, the performance of these new vectors to deliver RNA to model cells in vitro, and to establish the basis of a strong protein expression response that may lead to immunization, will be studied.
Within this project, you will be trained in the growth of polymer brushes from nanoparticles and their characterization using techniques such as ellipsometry, FTIR, XPS and AFM. You will develop an exciting range of polymer brush chemistries that aim to efficiently capture RNA macromolecules and selectively deliver them upon cytosolic entry. To understand the mechanism of action of these polymer coatings, you will study how their physico-chemistry impacts on their interaction with RNA molecules, using techniques such as surface plasmon resonance, quartz-crystal microbalance and neutron reflectometry. Finally, you will work with collaborators (clinicians and virologists) and be trained in assays aiming to evaluate the impact of these delivery vectors on protein expression.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to fine tune the project based on individual interests and skills.
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Julien GAUTROT.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Medical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-630" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/j.gautrot/research/ |
| Keywords: | Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Polymer Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Polymers |