UK : PhD Studentships opportunities

Development and evaluation of novel interpolymer complexes for oral insulin delivery

Robert Gordon University - Institute of Health & Welfare Research

PhD Studentships opportunities (Reference IHW)

Closing Date: 9^th November 2009

Applications are invited from candidates who are interested in applying to study for a PhD in the Institute of Health & Welfare Research at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. The Institute brings together interdisciplinary research within biomedical science, allied health care professions and social sciences. The PhD studentships are aligned with the strategic research themes of the institute; Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease, Environmental & Occupational Health and Mental & Neurological Health. The following PhD project is available;

Development and evaluation of novel interpolymer complexes for oral insulin delivery (REF IHW4)

This project will investigate the ability of novel interpolymer complexes to entrap and deliver insulin via the oral route. These formulations should provide both protection against degradation in the gastro-intestinal tract and facilitate passage of insulin across it into the systemic circulation. The work will provide a clear understanding of the effect of altering formulation variables on insulin entrapment/release and delivery system cell interaction. This will facilitate rational formulation design to produce effective insulin oral delivery. This project will give the applicant experience in multidisciplinary fields, including: polymer science, physical chemistry, drug delivery and formulation, and cell culture. Techniques which will be used include: spray drying, cell transport studies, scanning electron microscopy, bioadhesion testing and differential scanning calorimetry. Would suit candidate with background in Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences.

For further details of the project please contact Dr Colin Thompson (c.thompson@rgu.ac.uk)

Application process

Candidates for the studentship must have a First Class, or a 2.1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) or a Masters Qualification in a relevant discipline. Relevant professional experience will also be considered. Each studentship provides full university fees for UK/EU applicants and a tax-free maintenance allowance of £13,290 per annum for 3 years. Additional support may be available to students who are not UK/EU residents and who would normally be required to pay the full postgraduate fee. The studentship is available to start in January/February 2010. Interviews will be held in the week beginning 20^th November 2009.

Applications including a completed application form (available from http://www.rgu.ac.uk/researchdegrees/applicants/page.cfm?pge=26828), a detailed CV, two academic references, plus other required documents should be either emailed to researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk or posted to;

Research Degrees Office, Robert Gordon University, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FR

Please quote the relevant IHW reference code and project title in section 8 of the application form. Application forms, CVs and other relevant documentation to support the application should arrive no later than Monday 9^th November 2009.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to potential supervisors identified in the supplementary project information, or to the IHW Graduate School Leader Dr Rachel M Knott on 01224 262524 or by email to r.knott@rgu.ac.uk.