AZ Funded Non-clinical PhD Studentship in Nanoparticle Targeting
A 4-year collaborative PhD studentship investigating nanoparticle delivery systems for senomodulatory therapeutics in alveolar organoid models.
Best for:Best for independent cell biology graduates with strong backgrounds in molecular or cellular biology seeking translational research experience.
Overview
This 4-year collaborative PhD studentship is jointly hosted by the Cambridge Institute of Medical Research at the University of Cambridge and the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre in Cambridge. The research focuses on developing nanoparticle-based delivery platforms to target senescent alveolar epithelial cells using human alveolar organoids as an in vitro model for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The successful candidate will engineer and optimise senescent-cell targeting nanoparticles, integrate automated screening platforms, and work closely with academic and industrial supervisors. Applicants are expected to conduct independent cell biology research, contribute to collaborative milestones, and present findings at internal and external symposia.
What you'll do
- Design and engineer senescent-cell targeting nanoparticles loaded with exemplar senomodulatory drugs
- Culture and utilise human alveolar organoids as the primary in vitro model for assessing therapeutic efficacy
- Collaborate with industrial teams at AstraZeneca to optimise drug selection and workflow protocols
- Develop and operate automated screening platforms to evaluate nanoparticle-mediated senolytic delivery
- Participate in internal seminars within the Cambridge Institute of Medical Research and present at annual symposia
- Maintain rigorous research records, analyze experimental data, and prepare reports for project stakeholders
Requirements
Degree required: First or upper second-class degree from a UK university or an equivalent standard from an overseas university in a relevant subject
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; standard university entrance requirements apply
Instruction: English
- Strong background in cell biology or a closely related discipline
- Demonstrated ability to think and work independently
- Experience with in vitro cellular models or tissue culture
- Capacity to engage in cross-sector collaborative research between academia and industry
- Open to UK citizens and international students meeting UK residency requirements for home fees
- International applicants must be able to cover extra international fee costs via external scholarships if applicable
- Self-funding to supplement fees is not permitted
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-08
Submit your application through the University Application Portal provided by the University of Cambridge. Ensure all required documentation including academic transcripts and references are uploaded prior to the deadline. Informal enquiries can be directed via email to the primary supervisor.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter
- Reference letters
Contact
Jennifer Dickens· Primary Supervisor
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