PhD Studentship Opportunity in In-situ gelation of natural polymeric actives for transdermal delivery (072819)

Studentship description

Applications are invited for a fully funded collaborative PhD studentship for three years. The student will register for PhD at the University of Surrey and will spend up to 2 years at the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing to conduct collaborative research. The position is fully funded by Unilever and the student will also have the opportunity to work with scientists at Unilever Research Laboratory in Shanghai. 

The main aim is to develop new scientific insight on the molecular basis for controlling and optimising in-situ gelation of natural polymeric actives applied to cosmetic care and transdermal delivery. Specifically, the research objective is to apply leading edge 3D bio printing and microfabrication techniques to construct 3D skin mimicry for fast screening of natural polymeric actives applied to cosmetic care and transdermal delivery. The fundamental mechanism of deposition, diffusion and in-situ gelation kinetics of selected natural polymeric actives on the fabricated 3D skin mimicry will be investigated. Scientific insight will be developed on how the key physicochemical properties of natural polymers impact their deposition, diffusion and in-situ gelation. 

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary supervisory team consisting of members from the University of Surrey, Institute of Process Engineering and Unilever.

The Department of Chemical and Process Engineering (CPE) at the University of Surrey is the longest established chemical engineering department in the UK and is currently ranked 5th in UK according to the Guardian League Table. Unilever is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods, with an annual turnover exceeding €50 billion. The company’s brand portfolio includes skin care names such as Dove and Lux. Institute of Process Engineering and Chinese Academy of Sciences are comprehensive research institutions, with wide research fields, ranging from chemical metallurgy to process engineering, including energy, bio-chemical engineering, materials and green and environmental engineering.

Prof Bai’s group mainly focuses on the research of hydrogel formed by short peptide and biomolecule building blocks through 3D printing technology and applications in the construction of organisms and tissues, catalytic system, sensor and electrodes et al. 

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a 2:1 equivalent Batchelor’s degree or above in chemistry, physics or chemical engineering disciplines.  Analytical skills in chemistry and physics are essential.  Skills and experiences in skin biology and 3D bio printing are advantageous.  IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category 

Funding

This is a funded PhD project for students worldwide. The successful student will receive a full living stipend over the 3-year duration of the project, according to the standard set by UK research councils. 

How to apply

Applicants should send your CV, English test results, degree certificates, transcripts and two reference letters to Dr Qiong Cai (q.cai@surrey.ac.uk) by 12th September, for consideration. 
The shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview in September 2019. 
The selected applicant will be asked to fill online application form and guided through for registration at University of Surrey.

Closing date for applications

Thursday 12th September 2019

Application enquiries

Dr Qiong Cai, q.cai@surrey.ac.uk+44 (0) 1483 686561

Closing Date: 12 Sep 2019
Category: PhD Studentships