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On this page you will find useful information about current PhD projects available for self-funded students at the UCL School of Pharmacy.
Project title: Development of novel non-viral RNA formulations for pulmonary delivery
Project description
RNAs such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) have huge potential in treating a wide range of respiratory diseases including lung cancer, cystic fibrosis (CF) and lung infections. The major hurdle of translating the RNA therapeutics for treating lung conditions is the lack of a safe and effective pulmonary delivery system to deliver RNA molecules to the airways. RNA therapeutics is currently limited to administration by injection or infusion, which is invasive with poor lung distribution, making it undesirable for treating lung diseases.
This PhD project aims to overcome the delivery barrier by designing novel peptide and/or lipid materials as non-viral RNA delivery vector that are suitable for pulmonary delivery. Machine learning will be employed to assist the design of the RNA delivery vector. Dry powder aerosol will be prepared to improve the stability of the formulation.
Relevant publications of the research group:
• Qiu Y et al. Effective mRNA pulmonary delivery by dry powder formulation of PEGylated synthetic KL4 peptide. Journal of Controlled Release 2019; 314: 102-115
• Qiu Y et al. Optimization of PEGylated KL4 peptide for siRNA delivery with improved pulmonary tolerance. Molecular Pharmaceutics 2021; 18(6): 2218-2232
• Man RCH et al. Co-delivery of PD-L1- and EGFR-targeting siRNAs by synthetic PEG12-KL4 peptide to the lungs as potential strategy against non-small cell lung cancer. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics 2024; 195: 114177
The supervisor for this project is Dr Jenny Lam.
Main methods and techniques
Peptide/lipid synthesis and characterisation; machine learning; particle engineering techniques (spray drying and spray freeze drying); aerosol formulation characterisation (cascade impactors, HPLC); cell culture and molecular biology (Western blotting, qPCR).
Person specification
Applicants are expected to hold a first degree in pharmacy, pharmacology, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering (minimum 2.1). Applicants will also need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English Language requirements. See link for further details https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/pha...
Applications are welcomed from both UK and overseas candidates.
How to apply
Applications must include CV, personal statement, and the contact details of two referees. Applications should be emailed to Ms Michelle Ward at sop.pgr@ucl.ac.uk
Project title: Sequence-defined polyphosphoesters for applications in medicine
Project description
Precise polymer sequence determines the folding and self-assembly of both proteins and nucleic acids, and this in turn results in the vast capabilities of biochemistry which go well beyond anything we can currently recreate using synthetic chemistry. If, using non-biological chemistry, we could follow the same roadmap of polymer sequence leading to function, we could create new ways to interact with biological processes and structures, leading to new types of therapeutics. However, much of the effort to date on sequence-defined polymers has focused on synthesis rather than behaviour and function.
This project will involve adapting the automated phosphoramidite chemistry (routinely used to produce oligonucleotides, Fig. 1) to synthesise non-natural sequence-defined polyphosphoesters (Chem. Commun., 2022, 58, 12200-12203, Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 5307-5310). You will use a range of techniques to investigate and understand the folding and self-assembly of these polymers with relation to sequence, and explore their applications in biology such as cell penetration and inhibition of protein-protein interactions of therapeutic interest.
The supervisor for this project is Dr Christopher Serpell
Main methods and techniques
Organic synthesis, automated solid-phase synthesis, nanoscale characterisation, protein interactions, cell culture.
Person specification
Applicants are expected to hold a first degree in pharmacy or chemistry (minimum 2.1). Applicants will also need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English Language requirements. See link for further details https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/pha...
Applications are welcomed from both UK and overseas candidates.
How to apply
Applications must include CV, personal statement, and the contact details of two referees. Applications should be emailed to Ms Michelle Ward at sop.pgr@ucl.ac.uk
Project title: Tackling health inequity in pharmaceuticals
Research has been increasingly highlighting the disparities in the investigation of gender-specific responses to medicines. It has been observed that substances thought to be inactive in medications have biological effects that differ between genders. These findings are the focus of this project, which is aimed at exploring and harnessing such variations. The overarching aim is the addressing and mitigation of these disparities, advancing the field towards more equitable healthcare provision.
This PhD project will focus on identifying gender differences in medication responses. The successful applicant will receive training in all relevant areas of the project, including in vitro and in vivo studies and the use of machine learning to optimize laboratory results. Upon starting, the PhD candidate will join a renowned research group, supervised by Professor Abdul W. Basit, with multiple decades of academic and commercial experience in the developing medicines. The project will be based at University College London (UCL), a top 10 University in the 2023 QS World Rankings, within the vibrant and welcoming School of Pharmacy. During their project, the PhD researcher will have access to gold-standard facilities and resources, with strong mentorship, support, and frequent career development opportunities.
Person specification
The ideal candidate should have (or expect to achieve) a bachelor’s degree or relevant master’s qualification in Pharmacy, Biomedical sciences, Pharmacology, Biology or a related discipline. Prior lab experience and Data Science knowledge will be valued. In vivo and in vitro lab experience are desirable but not essential.
A good level of spoken and written English is essential. Successful candidates will need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English language requirements
Applications are welcomed from both UK and overseas candidates.
Applications
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to a.basit@ucl.ac.uk.
Project title: Developing novel 3D printed personalized medicines and medical devices
We are looking for new students to start a PhD in the development of innovative personalised medicines and medical devices prepared by three-dimensional printing. Depending on the skill and the interest of the candidates, the selected PhD students will be involved in multiple research projects around pharmaceutical 3D printing, including digital pharmacy, pharmacokinetic prediction, therapeutic drug monitoring and artificial intelligence for manufacture optimization.
The project will be conducted at University College London (UCL), a top 10 University in the 2023 QS World Rankings, within the vibrant and welcoming School of Pharmacy. The successful PhD Candidate will join a world-leading group in pharmaceutical 3D printing, supervised by Professor Abdul W. Basit. The research group has wide experience in formulation development and manufacture of 3D printed pharmaceuticals in ongoing clinical studies. Exchanges with laboratories’ partners are expected. The projects will also be in collaboration with broad multidisciplinary teams including medical doctors, clinical hospital pharmacists and computer engineers from the UK and Spain.
Person specification
The successful candidate should have (or expect to achieve) a bachelor’s degree or relevant master’s qualification in Pharmacy, Engineering, Computer Science or related Science field. Prior lab experience, knowledge of computer science, 3D printing or coding will be valued.
A good level of spoken and written English is essential. Successful candidates will need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English language requirements.
How to apply
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to Prof Abdul Basit at a.basit@ucl.ac.uk. For more information on this project, please contact Prof Abdul Basit. Applications are welcome from both UK and overseas candidates.
Project title: Developing novel medicines targeted at the human gut microbiome
Cutting-edge research is highlighting how important the human microbiome is for health. As fundamental science characterizing the complex functions and processes of microbes emerges, many opportunities for microbiome-targeted therapeutics are being presented. Numerous diseases could be prevented and treated through targeted delivery of small molecules, biologics, or probiotics to the human microbiome. Diseases that have been linked with the gut microbiome include cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease, autism spectrum disorder, and depression.
This PhD project will focus on developing new medicines targeted at the gut microbiome. The successful applicant will receive training in all relevant areas of the project, including the use of machine learning to streamline and enhance the impact of laboratory results. Upon starting, the PhD candidate will join a renowned research group, supervised by Professor Abdul W. Basit, with multiple decades of academic and commercial experience in microbiome medicine. The project will be based at University College London (UCL), a top 10 University in the 2023 QS World Rankings, within the vibrant and welcoming School of Pharmacy. During their project, the PhD researcher will have access to gold-standard facilities and resources, with strong mentorship, support, and frequent career development opportunities.
Person specification
Applicants should be enthusiastic about research and be keen to work on the development of novel microbiome-targeted medicines. The successful candidate should have (or expect to achieve) a bachelor’s degree or relevant master’s qualification in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Computer Science or a related Science field. Prior lab experience is essential, a coding background will be valued.
A good level of spoken and written English is essential. A good level of spoken and written English is essential. Successful candidates will need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English language requirements.
How to apply
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to a.basit@ucl.ac.uk. Applications are welcomed from both UK and overseas candidates.
Project title: Using Machine Learning to Develop Novel Drug Delivery Systems
Machine learning has revolutionised numerous fields from self-driving technologies to aeronautics and drug discovery, yet its impact remains under-explored in the domain of drug formulation development - an area marked by extensive resource and labour investment. This project aims to harness machine learning to create sophisticated models that can fast-track and fine-tune the development of ground-breaking drug delivery systems.
The project will explore the potential benefits of machine learning in refining the formulation development process and elevating advanced development techniques like additive manufacturing. The selected applicant will receive extensive training across the entire project spectrum, focusing on how machine learning can effectively utilise laboratory results to influence future breakthroughs.
The project will be based at University College London (UCL), a top 10 University in the 2023 QS World Rankings, within the vibrant and welcoming School of Pharmacy. Upon starting, the PhD candidate will join a world-renowned, highly-cited research group, supervised by Professor Abdul W. Basit. The group has multiple decades of academic and commercial experience and a track record of successful spin-offs. During their project, the PhD researcher will have access to gold-standard facilities and resources, with strong mentorship, support, and frequent career development opportunities. The projects will also be in collaboration with broad multidisciplinary teams including medical doctors, clinical hospital pharmacists, engineers, and data scientists.
Person specification
The ideal candidate should have (or expect to achieve) a bachelor’s degree or relevant master’s qualification in Pharmacy, Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline. Prior lab experience and Data Science knowledge will be valued. It is also desirable to be proficient in Python, with experience in data acquisition.
A good level of spoken and written English is essential. Successful candidates will need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English language requirements.
How to apply
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to a.basit@ucl.ac.uk. Applications are welcomed from both UK and overseas candidates.
Project title: Exploring Enabling Technologies for Organic Synthesis and Drug Discovery
Project description
This PhD project will explore the application of an enabling reactor technology such as ball-milling (mechanochemistry), continuous processing or photo-flow chemistry to facilitate and identify new opportunities in chemical synthesis and drug discovery. Focus will be on designing synthetic methods that permit new reactions or lead to improvements in reproducibility, scalability and/or sustainability.
The project will build on some of the group’s recent work in these areas, for examples see:
Mechanochemistry
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2021, 60, 23128-23133
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2021, 60, 21868-21874
J. Org. Chem., 2021, 86,14095-14101
Org. Lett., 2021, 23, 6337-6341
Flow Chemistry
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 2021, 60, 19685-16960
Tetrahedron 2021, 93, 132305
React. Chem. Eng., 2019, 4, 1559-1564
You will join our fully equipped synthetic chemistry laboratory (Lab G25) at UCL School of Pharmacy. You will join a close-knit team of postdocs, PhD students, Visitors and Master’s students, and will receive training in organic synthesis, elements of medicinal chemistry/drug discovery and the implementation and use of enabling technologies. Additionally, over the duration your skills in organic reaction mechanisms, presenting results, time management, project planning will be developed through group meetings and faculty and university PhD training programmes.
Main methods and techniques
The project would be suitable for anyone with a background in synthetic chemistry and method development and an interest in mechanochemistry or continuous flow (photo) chemistry.
Person specification
This project is open to UK and international applicants who are self-funded.
Applicants are expected to hold a first degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (minimum 2.1). Other relevant skills will be taught during the project.
Applicants will also need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English Language requirements. See link for further details https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/sch...
This project is for self-funded students and will be supervised by Dr Duncan L. Browne (synthesis/medicinal chemistry).
How to apply
Applications must include CV, personal statement, and the contact details of two referees. Applications should be emailed to Ms Michelle Ward at sop.pgr@ucl.ac.uk.
Project title: Investigating canonical Wnt signalling as a therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease
Project description
The WNT3 gene encoding Wnt3a was identified as a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Genome-Wide Association Studies. Wnt3a is a ligand for the canonical Wnt signaling pathway that was found to be dysregulated in PD mouse models including LRRK2 PD models. Importantly, LRRK2 mutations are the most common cause of familial PD, with affected patients presenting with symptoms indistinguishable to idiopathic PD. We found differences in Wnt signalling pathways in different brain regions and cell types including innate immune cells and astrocytes in the LRRK2 G2019S PD mouse model. Interestingly, Wnt3a activated canonical Wnt signalling shows differences depending on LRRK2 genotype that are further modified by immune system activation.
Diverse Wnt signalling inhibitors are already in clinical use and under development in cancer therapy, whereas Wnt signalling activators are used in osteoporosis and are under investigation for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Our goal is to investigate Wnt3a mediated canonical Wnt signalling as a target for PD treatment. We will test the effect of Wnt3a knockdown, Wnt3a protein treatment, as well as different Wnt signalling inhibitors and activators on LRRK2 expression levels, LRRK2 dependent rab GTPase phosphorylation, cellular phenotypes and cell biological pathways with a focus on endolysosomal function in the absence and presence of immune stimulators. The experiments will first be conducted in relevant mutant LRRK2 immortalised cell lines. After the student is familiar with the relevant techniques, we will then translate the experiments into patient derived human induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (hiPSC) LRRK2 PD models plus their isogenic controls. This work will help to validate and translate current work in mouse models into a human preclinical model system.
Main methods and techniques
Cell Biology: Including immortalised cell culture and hiPSC.
Molecular Neuroscience: Including cell signalling assays, qPCR and Western blotting.
Confocal Imaging: Including high resolution confocal imaging of signalling pathway components.
Person specification
Applicants are expected to hold a first degree in Pharmacology, Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience or Immunology (minimum 2.1). Postgraduate work in Cell Culture is also preferred. Other relevant skills will be taught during the project.
Applicants will also need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English Language requirements. See link for further details https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/sch...
This project is for self-funded students and will be supervised by Professor Kirsten Harvey.
How to apply
Applications must include CV, personal statement, and the contact details of two referees. Applications should be emailed to Ms Michelle Ward at sop.pgr@ucl.ac.uk
Project title: Synthesis and medicinal chemistry of bacterial antimicrobial peptides
Project description
Antibiotic resistance is a huge global public health challenge. New antibiotics are urgently required to ensure future access to effective treatments for bacterial infection. Historically, bacterial natural products have been a valuable source of new antibiotics. Our group is interested in exploring the potential of bacterial antimicrobial peptides, predominantly cyclic and multicyclic peptides such as those in the ‘ribosomally-synthesised and post-translationally modified peptide’ (RiPP) family. These peptides are structurally diverse and are often less prone to resistance development than small molecule antibiotics, making them promising candidates for drug development.
This PhD project will focus on peptides in the RiPP family. Routes of investigation will include developing reliable synthetic routes to the peptides, establishing structure-activity relationships by synthesis of analogues, determining mechanism of action and optimising properties such as stability, solubility and activity. Ultimately, the results of this work will allow an evaluation of the clinical potential of this family of peptides.
Main methods and techniques
The project will employ synthetic chemistry, solid-phase and solution peptide synthesis, HPLC, peptide characterisation (e.g. NMR, MS, CD spectroscopy) and antimicrobial activity testing. Experience in synthetic chemistry is preferred but training in organic synthesis and peptide synthesis will be provided.
Person specification
Applicants are expected to hold a first degree in pharmacy, chemistry and biochemistry (minimum 2.1). Other relevant skills will be taught during the project.
Applicants will also need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English Language requirements. See link for further details https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/sch...
This project is for self-funded students and will be supervised by Dr Rachael Dickman
How to apply
Applications must include CV, personal statement, and the contact details of two referees. Applications should be emailed to Ms Michelle Ward at sop.pgr@ucl.ac.uk.