Departments of Physics and Chemical Engineering
Applications are invited for one three-year University PhD studentship. The project is a collaboration between the Departments of Physics (Stephen Bingham, Daniel Wolverson) and Chemical Engineering (Sean Rigby), and will involve using advanced ESR, NMR and MRI techniques to aid the design of novel controlled drug release devices for use in chemotherapy and tissue engineering applications. Fundamental studies of polymer properties and resultant drug release rates, using ESR and NMR methods such as spectroscopy, PGSE NMR, NMR cryoporometry and imaging, will enable the rational design of controlled release devices with sustained, or pulsed release, profiles. The potential of these devices for use in the release of signalling molecules in tissue engineering applications will also be explored. We will also study hydrogel materials that incorporate biological molecules capable of selective recognition of a specific signal in such a manner that the gel will respond by changing its porosity. The change will allow other molecules to permeate the gel, and the process will be studied using MRI and ESR.
The work will be carried out in the Department of Physics and in the Chemical Engineering Department's world-class, purpose-designed new building, with the state-of-the-art equipment, funded through £6.5M of investment from the University, Government and industry, and located within the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath.
Applicants for this post, possessing (or about to possess) at least a 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemical engineering, chemistry, pharmacy (particularly pharmaceutics), materials science, or a related subject, are advised to apply as soon as possible.
The studentship will cover the University tuition fees for three years for a student with British/EU citizenship, and the stipend will be around £12,300 (tax free) in the first year with an increase in years 2 and 3.
The start date for the project is up to 30th September 2008 - applications are welcome at any time before this date.
Application forms may be obtained from Ms Charlotte Wilkes, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY; Tel:01225 386133, Fax: 385713; Email: C.E.Wilkes@bath.ac.uk. Dr Sean Rigby (Tel: 01225 384978; Email S.P.Rigby@bath.ac.uk) is happy to provide further details about the potential project.
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