Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom invites online Application for number of Fully Funded PhD Degree at various Departments. We are providing a list of Fully Funded PhD Programs available at Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom.
Eligible candidate may Apply as soon as possible.
(01) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Automated Modelling, Scheduling and Control for Manufacturing as a Service
Our first goal is to explore new modelling structures for predicting, controlling, and optimising supply chains that are subject to abrupt changes and may switch on demand or by change of operating conditions. We will focus on models valid for a range of possible parameters, incorporating volatility of demand and time varying availability of resources. Dynamics are event-driven and switching, capturing the versatile allocation of tasks. We will start from earlier work and structures taken, e.g., from queuing theory and discrete event systems, as well as hybrid systems, namely switching linear systems, timed automata with rectangular/zonotopic constraints. Our second goal is to develop methods for analysis of key performance indicators, translated as state variables in the models generated. We will use computation-aware tools, based on reachability analysis, set-based and data-driven methods. The third goal is to combine control-theoretic, graph-theoretic, data-driven optimisation tools as well as tools from formal methods, and create feedback decision mechanisms for control of manufacturing resources (digital, physical, etc.) for complex specifications: Our decision variables are both logical and continuous: binary decisions reconfigure manufacturing modules, choice of providers, logistic routes etc., and continuous decisions act on request flows, allocation and duration of time slots, workforce, etc.
Deadline : 31 August 2024
(02) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Optimising Speed, Energy, and Quality of Machine Learning Models with Transprecise Computing
Deploying ML models on wearable or portable devices is challenging due to limitations on size, weight and power of the devices. Such constraints create a tension between accuracy of the model on one hand, and its size, inference delay and power consumption on the other hand. Alternatively, communicating captured data from wearable devices to the cloud requires fast and reliable communication channels, which again add significant power consumption demands for transmission. This problem reoccurs throughout numerous applications of edge-based intelligence, including traffic control, video surveillance, cattle monitoring, and in this instance health monitoring. The goal of this PhD project is to address the tension between computational demands and model accuracy by adapting the location(s) where inference is performed and the precision of computation and communication.
The project will take a view on the stated problem through the lens of transprecise computing, which considers that not all computations need to be exact and that a disciplined and quantified trade-off between accuracy, speed, energy consumption and other performance and quality-of-experience metrics enables superior system designs. To this end, this project will: (i) build performance and utility models for health analytics across wearable and portable devices, edge computing and cloud computing infrastructure; (ii) design methods for deriving appropriate configurations of ML model inference across devices with varying design points for inference latency, power consumption, inference accuracy, etc; (iii) design online methods for inferring and enacting the most beneficial configurations at that time instance due to varying circumstances, such as signal quality, power availability, and computational workload.
Deadline : 31 August 2024
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(03) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Investigating the Effectiveness of Chemical and Thermal Treatment Methods in the Radiocarbon Dating of Consolidated Museum Artefacts
Preservation of organic archaeological artefacts is a critical task that often involves the application of a variety of consolidants by conservators. With subsequent aging these consolidants become absorbed into the fabric of the artefact and potentially become chemically bound. Removal of these sources of contamination is critical as a part of radiocarbon dating, as otherwise the age estimation can be skewed younger or older dependent on the age of the consolidant itself (Crann and Grant 2019). Chemical methods to remove these consolidants are typically focussed around a Soxhlet-based approach (Bruhn et al. 2001), however numerous studies suggest this is not always successful (e.g. Brock et al. 2018) and often where the method is applied there is a lack or definitive support for complete removal of the consolidant.
Recent applications of thermal decomposition techniques (ramped pyrolysis/oxidation, RPO) have demonstrated a potentially useful new approach for isolating more reliable fractions of CO2 from consolidated artefacts (Barrett et al. 2021). This method exploits the different thermal decomposition temperatures between the material of interest (e.g. wood cellulose) from a typical consolidant (e.g. polyethylene glycol) to minimize sources of contamination. In tandem with analytical techniques such as fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and stable isotope analysis, the thermal decomposition profiles and radiocarbon dating characteristics of different thermal fractions can also be used to better validate how ‘clean’ the sample is and develop improved treatment methods. This project will thus enable enhanced dating methods for existing archaeological artefacts, and also has the potential to facilitate developing enhanced conservation methods for archaeological artefacts.
Deadline : 16 August 2024
(04) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Bring Forward Biological Controls for Devastating Panama Disease of Banana
The Panama disease of bananas caused by Foc TR4 threatens the global production of bananas. In this project, we will explore soil bacteria to develop biocontrol methods to mitigate the Panama disease. Foc is resistant to most chemical fungicides and its control is currently limited to low efficient phytosanitary measures. Soil bacteria constantly interact with plants and fungi to thrive. Many bacteria species colonize plant roots to form mutually beneficial relationships. We have been exploring soil bacteria from Central American banana fields.
The project’s objectives include: 1). Testing bacterial activity in repressing Foc TR4 in vitro and in soil with banana plants. 2). Identifying bacterial species, including genome sequencing. 3) Studying the molecular basis of the activity by biochemical studies and RNAseq. 4) Developing delivery methodologies of the bacteria to the fields; and 5) Field trials of the methods in Central American countries through collaboration.
Deadline : 15 August 2024
(05) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Microneedle delivery of non-ribosomal antimicrobial peptides to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections
Non-ribosomal antibacterial peptides (NRAPs) are a class of compounds that have found special use in the treatment of MDR bacteria. For example, colistin is a last resort antibiotic for the treatment of MDR P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter infections, and daptomycin is a key antibiotic for treating MDR enterococci. They typically kill bacteria through interactions with non-protein membrane targets, and are therefore less susceptible to many common resistance mechanisms. However, NRAPs like colistin can cause neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity when administered intravenously. An alternative, slow release method may circumvent this problem, providing a novel treatment against critical priority pathogens. Microneedle arrays allow delivery of injectable medicines through the skin without causing pain or bleeding. They are self-applied by the patient and can be designed to sustain release over several days
This interdisciplinary project will involve peptide synthesis, polymer synthesis, antimicrobial efficacy assays and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies. A series of novel NRAPs will be chemically synthesized and tested in advanced in vitro biological models to ascertain their efficacy against MDR Gram-negative bacteria and safety with respect to normal human cells. In vivo animal pharmacokinetic and infection studies will demonstrate the clinical potential of these novel NRAP-microneedle combinations.
Deadline : Open until filled
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(06) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Chemical Tools to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance is a major global threat to human health. The latest and most comprehensive analysis to date of the burden from AMR estimates that globally, 1.27 million deaths in 2019 could be directly attributed to AMR, and a further 4.95 million deaths were associated with AMR. Without immediate action, it has been predicted that AMR will put 10 million lives at risk annually by 2050, causing a cumulative loss of US$100 trillion of economic output. New strategies to combat the rise of AMR are therefore urgently required.
The goal of this interdisciplinary project is the development of novel chemical tools to study molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, and to identify novel approaches for antibiotics development. The project will involve the rational design and chemical synthesis of target molecules as well as their application and evaluation in relevant bioassays. The student will receive in-depth training in a broad range of experimental techniques including advanced organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, preparative and analytical chromatography, and in vitro assays.
Deadline : Open until filled
(07) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: ENERGY – Enhanced Nanoparticles Engineered fRom Gold for multi-modal therapY
The last five to ten years have seen exponential growth in the application of novel nanomedicines, attributed in part to the emergence of sophisticated analytical technologies. To date, gold nanoparticles (GNPs), predominantly spheres or rods, have demonstrated utility as efficient sensitisers to both radio- and chemotherapy in the treatment of various cancers. Furthermore, GNPs proficiently convert near infrared (NIR) light to thermal energy and can therefore act as novel photothermal agents.
This cross disciplinary project will provide the appointed PhD student the opportunity to develop expertise in the synthesis, characterisation and biological evaluation of multiple exotic GNP structures (e.g. stars, prisms, cuboids, etc.). This project has three clear aims: i) to explore the influence of GNP shape on intracellular trafficking using state-of-the-art imaging modalities; ii) to determine the impact of multiple GNP geometries on therapeutic efficacy to both X-ray and NIR radiation; iii) to uncover the as yet unknown surface chemistry of the GNPs following radiation treatment, exploring the impact of functional surface ligands on therapeutic efficacy.
Deadline : Open until filled
(08) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Energy Efficient Accelerator for Autonomous Systems
Autonomous systems, such as robotics, medical applications, and vehicles, etc., are becoming more intelligent and playing important roles in our daily lives[1]. While these systems involve more complex operations[2], the highly-integrated functionalities of perception and control are often constrained in computational resources in power, cost and space [3][4]. Approximate computing (AC) has proven capability to gain the trade-off between efficiency and accuracy [5]. However, there is a lack of accelerator design methodology that accurately reflects the effects of approximation in error propagation through the algorithm, software, and hardware stacks in autonomous systems. The aim of this project is to investigate the co-design methodology for approximate accelerators, analyse the error-propagation-informed adaptation and achieve automated efficiency acceleration for resource-constrained autonomous systems.
Deadline : Open until filled
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(09) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High resolution solid state NMR as a tool for analysis of polymeric controlled release drug delivery systems
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is widely used in the development of both new drug entities and the characterisation of drug formulations. Solid state NMR is a particularly useful tool, since many drug formulations comprise solid drugs dispered in solid polymeric excipients, wherein the polymeric excipients are commonly used to help modulate the drug release characteristics. With continued advances in instrumentation and resolution, solid state NMR is an increasingly poweful tool for probing the structural features of polymeric drug delivery systems.
Silicone elastomers (SE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers have a long history of use as polymeric excipients in various sustained and controlled release drug delivery systems. In this project, we will assess the utility of high resolution solid-state NMR – focusing on 13C, 19F and 31P nuclei – to probe the structural features of (i) currently marketed SE and EVA drug delivery products and (ii) experimental SE and EVA formulations containing dispered pharmaceutical drug substances, including fluorinated and phosphorylated drugs for which 19F and 31P NMR experiments might be particularly informative.
Deadline : Open until filled
(10) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Energy Efficient and Trustworthy in Multi-modal Federated Learning
Federated Learning (FL) is the key technique to train a high-performance model considering the information privacy without sharing sensitive local data from the edge, which has wide range of application in healthcare, autonomous vehicle, and manufacturing [1]. Conceptually, the remote clients hold the same or similar modality of data, while alternative multi-modality provides more powerful and insightful outcomes [2], which involves processing complexity in data storage, computation and transmission between clients and servers. Approximate computing (AC) [3], targeting low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) of computing system, intuitively brings efficiency to Machine Learning (ML) frameworks and saves the SWaP [4], however introducing errors [5][6]. The aim of this project is to investigate the reduction of SWaP using AC for multi-modal FL with considerable learning outcomes, analyse the scalability between AC and FL algorithms, and achieve better efficiency in both learning and data processing.
Deadline : Open until filled
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(11) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Approximate Versatile Tensor Accelerator on Heterogeneous Systems
Apache TVM is an open source machine learning compiler framework for CPUs, GPUs, and machine learning accelerators [1]. It aims to enable machine learning engineers to optimize and run computations efficiently on any hardware back-end [2]. The Versatile Tensor Accelerator (VTA) is an extension of the Apache(incubating) TVM framework designed to advance deep learning and hardware innovation. VTA is a programmable accelerator that exposes a RISC-like programming abstraction to describe compute and memory operations at the tensor level [3]. While the most of computational operations in Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are based on linear algebras, the approximate linear algebra design could largely reduced the Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) of hardware accelerators for such applications [6, 7], however, which requires a design methodology to fast prototype AI accelerators in a optimal way to meet the constraints at the edge. The aim of this project is to investigate the approximate VTA for heterogeneous computing platforms and lower the SWaP for fast prototyping novel network architectures, operators and data representations.
Deadline : Open until filled
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(12) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Democracy and Workplace Democracy
This PhD project will explore the ethical, economic, and political justifications for democratizing workplaces and economic relationships more broadly. The PhD candidate will research the political theory and organizational literature on democracy and workplace democracy, and will also investigate the practice of workplace democratization and democracy in various countries and sectors. The purpose of the project is to determine whether there is an ethical, economic, and political case for democratizing workplaces and, if so, whether this is possible under contemporary conditions.
Deadline : Open until filled
(13) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Resilient, Real-Time, Approximate AI Accelerators Design
The integration of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the edge provides a more efficient, responsive, and private approach to data processing, enabling a wide range of applications across different industries [1]. Approximate computing is indeed a key technique that can be leveraged to reduce the Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirements for ML and AI applications at the edge [2]. While the most of computational operations in ML and AI are based on linear algebras, the approximate linear algebra with reduced precision [3] and dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) could largely increase the efficiency of hardware accelerators for such applications [4], however introduce resilience issues to software, hardware, and algorithms [4, 5]. The aim of this project is to investigate the resilience of heterogeneous computing platforms and lower the SWaP for fast prototyping real-time AI accelerators. Empowered by RapidWright [6], it is expected to create tailored solutions to such specific challenges of resilience and close the gap of rapid run-time deployment.
Deadline : Open until filled
(14) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: The development and pilot implementation of an online trauma informed mindfulness intervention for people with kidney disease.
People with advanced kidney disease have difficult psychological and physical symptoms, poor quality of life1, and are at high risk of depression and anxiety2-3. The latest UK renal psychosocial workforce report highlights the lack of access to specialised psychological or social help4. Furthermore, there are insufficient evidence-based psychosocial therapies and efficient support networks5. Mindfulness interventions delivered to people with a variety of chronic conditions have offered beneficial results6. A recent feasibility study7 demonstrated that a mindfulness intervention was appropriate and acceptable for people with kidney disease, but also highlighted the traumatic kidney journey that many patients experience.
Deadline : Open until filled
(15) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Work and Freedom: Ethical and Political Perspectives
This PhD project will explore the realm of work and economic activity more generally in terms of its significance for human freedom along its various dimensions. The PhD candidate will research the value of freedom and how it is connected to and instanced in contemporary work in the formal (paid employment, self-employment) and informal economies (domestic work, care work, etc). The purpose of the project is to investigate the ways in which work both advances and hinders human freedom, especially in light of contemporary developments in work technologies and work organization.
Deadline : Open until filled
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(16) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Eating Together: Exploring the social eating experiences and family dynamics for patients living with a chronic illness
This PhD will explore the topic of commensality, that is, eating with and in front of others, for patients living with a chronic or life limiting illness that impacts their ability to eat and drink socially. Social eating brings a rich array of benefits to a person’s life, including new experiences, enjoyment being with others and strengthening of social bonds (Dunbar, 2017). We regularly eat and drink with others, for example, at home, at other people’s houses or in restaurants and at work. Social eating has profound cultural symbolism and important interlinks with a person’s identity, beliefs and sense of self. However, for groups of people living with the impact of a chronic condition, the social aspect of eating and drinking is often overlooked in clinical practice and healthcare research (Dornan et al., 2021). Eating and drinking is more than a physical activity for nutrition and calories.
Deadline : Open until filled
(17) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: The influence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mental health on young people’s involvement with the criminal justice system.
TBI represents a significant yet overlooked health concern among young offenders. Coupled with this, the role of TBI in both offending and recidivism remains to be fully understood. A number of longitudinal and cohort studies have linked TBI to subsequent criminal behaviour (Kennedy et al 2017; McKinlay et al 2014). Additionally, several studies of offender populations have linked TBI to anxiety and depression (Diamond et al 2006; Pitman et al 2015; Schofield et al 2006), aggression and violence (Fishbein et al 2016; Slaughter et al 2003) and an increased likelihood of repeat offending (Williams et al 2010; Ray et al 2014). The overlap between such impairments and the factors considered to put a person at greater risk for criminality have been noted (Bernstein et al 2004), though more work is needed to fully understand this relationship. The myriad of other factors, such as socio-economic status (SES), alcohol and substance abuse, and mental illness, which are often prevalent among offenders, would suggest that the relationship between TBI, mental illness and offending requires further investigation.
Deadline : Open until filled
(18) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Impact Resistance of Ultra High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete
The main aim of the project is to determine the static properties of UHPFRC needed to develop constitutive relationships that can be used in finite element analysis for modeling purposes. The second aim is to determine the behaviour of UHPFRC under impact loading and show whether or not its behaviour under this type of loading can be modelled using a finite element analysis package called ABAQUS. In order to achieve the aim of the project, the following need to be investigated: (1) Optimization of mix proportions for UHPFRC so as to achieve a compressive strength of more than 160 MPa, (2) Determine experimentally a consitutive relationship by testing specimens in direct tension, (3) Test prisms of different size and determine whether the “fictitious crack model” can predict accurately their behaviour, (4) Finite element analysis will also be used in this project to determine how accurately it can predict the behaviour of the prisms in flexure, (5) Investigate the impact behaviour of UHPFRC beams and slabs. (6) Results from the experimental work will be used as input parameters in Finite Element modelling to determine whether or not it can accurately predict the behaviour of UHPFRC under static and impact loading.
Deadline : Open until filled
(19) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Crack-inducing thermal stresses in safety-critical concrete structures
This project will simulate heat conduction and moisture migration, and conduct stress analysis using constitutive theory of concrete and predict thermal cracks using the finite element method and COMSOL software. The effects of concrete strength, i.e. normal and high, binder type and content, size of structural element, casting and ambient temperatures, formwork type and time of removal on the maximum temperature rise and magnitude of the thermal stresses will be investigated and the FE model and methods will be validated using the experimental data gathered from an already funded EPSRC research project.
Deadline : Open until filled
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(20) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Structural Behaviour of Concrete Block Pavements: Finite Element Modelling of the effect of construction pattern and unit interlock
The maintenance or even replacement of cracked pavements requires considerable financial resources and puts a large burden on the budgets of local councils. In addition to these costs, local councils also face liability claims arising from uneven or cracked pedestrian pavements. These currently cost the Manchester City Council and Preston City Council around £6 million a year each. Design procedures for concrete block pavements are empirical. A considerable amount of research has been directed towards producing design charts relating thickness of base and sub‐base material required based on the properties of the subgrade and the traffic characteristics. The design criteria are based on experience and adjusted, if needed, by means of onsite observation and accelerated trafficking tests. However, the accuracy of these methods is limited due to the fact that they are simplified/empirical procedures that ignore certain parameters such as the discontinuous nature of blocks.
Deadline : Open until filled
(21) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Ultra High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete for Access Floor Tiles
The main aim of the project is to develop the use of UHPFRC in thin elements particularly in access floor tiles. The emphasis will be given on the development of the tiles with high strength but with a low weight of approximately less than 20 kg. The research project also comprises the modelling of UHPFRC to understand the structural behaviour of the material. In order to achieve the aim of the project, the following need to be investigated: (1) Optimization of mix proportions for UHPFRC so as to achieve a compressive strength of more than 160 MPa, (2) Determine experimentally a consitutive relationship by testing specimens in direct tension, (3) Test prisms of different size and determine whether the “fictitious crack model” can predict accurately their behaviour, (4) Finite element analysis will also be used in this project to determine how accurately it can predict the behaviour of the prisms in flexure, (5) Investigate the structural behaviour of UHPFRC particularly in thin elements such as access floor tiles. (6) Results from the experimental work will be used as input parameters in Finite Element modelling so as to optimize the cross-section and achieve the highest possible load capacity (point load of 12 kN anywhere on the tile) with as low weight as possible < 20 kg.
Deadline : Open until filled
(22) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: The use of decommissioned wind turbine blades as girders in bridges
The overall aim of this project is to investigate the properties of the fiber reinforced polymer and how these vary along the length of the wind turbine blade. Laboratory tests on three meter length tips of blades will aim to determine likely failure modes, e.g., bolted connection, flexural and shear failures. Finite Element analysis will be used to model the behaviour of the whole length of the blade when used as a bridge girder.
Deadline : Open until filled
(23) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Cementless “Geopolymer” Concrete for Sustainable Construction
This project will focus on the production of Green Precast Concrete Products by investigating the possibility of completely replacing cement by waste materials of high silicon dioxide content, e.g., incinerator ash, basic oxygen steel slag, disposed ash, from coal-fired thermal power plants, into ash ponds or lagoons, together with waste alkali solutions from the chemical industry. The alkali activated ash may have cementitious properties similar to cement. The reaction has been shown to be possible but selection of materials to successfully achieve compressive strengths similar to cement remains a mystery, i.e. the process is based on trial and error of different combinations of materials. This is even with off the shelf alkali solutions of known concentration combined with ground granulated blast furnace slag (ggbs) that is known to be reactive in this way. Use of ggbs and commercially available alkali solutions make this type of concrete prohibitively expensive. Yet this same concrete can be made with 100% waste materials. There is a clear and urgent market need for cement free concrete products with reduced CO2 footprint. The testing and development will focus initialy on the production of ‘Green/Ecofriendly Paving Products’ that use as a binder waste materials and thus do not require the use of cement. Cementless Concrete can use lagoon ash, basic oxygen steel slag, and ash from municipal waste incinerators, combined with waste alkali solutions from the chemical industry (production of one tonne of cement corresponds approximately to one tonne of CO2 released to the atmosphere). Research will concentrate on developing an understanding of the reaction mechanism between waste alkali solutions and industrial siliceous ashes. The mechanism of the reaction between these siliceous ashes and alkalis is not well-established. The work will be jointly supervised with the Earth & Ocean Sciences department which is exceptionally well equipped with two analytical scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and a new state of the art X-ray diffractometer (XRD), as well as other relevant facilities such as infra-red spectroscopy and cathode luminescence microscopy. The aim will be to use these techniques to characterise the material properties of the various concretes as well as the starting materials. XRD will be used to identify the range and quantities of minerals and materials in the concrete. SEM will be used to understand the distribution of the minerals and materials identified by XRD and to quantify grain sizes, shapes etc. The chemical analytical facility will not only allow correct identification of minerals developed in the geopolymer cement, but will also allow investigation of chemical interactions between the geopolymer cement and the different types of aggregate. One potentially exciting area of investigation is to see if the concretes can be suitably prepared for electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis, which allows quantification of crystal lattice orientations. It is well known that lattice preferred orientations (LPO) in both natural stone materials and in metals have profound effects on the engineering properties of those materials. This type of analysis, if it proves possible, could provide key evidence for understanding what microstructure develops in cementless “geopolymer” materials as a result of different sources of ashes which have different chemical and mineral compositions. This could allow blending of different materials so they produce geopolymer concretes with the desired engineering properties such as greater compressive strength, greater tensile strength, greater flexibility.
Deadline : Open until filled
(24) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Investigating the impact of electronic cigarette vapour on respiratory microbiota and inflammation.
The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are increasing, despite very limited knowledge as to their safety and effect on the lung microbiome and inflammatory response. Work currently on-going in our laboratory suggests that both cigarettes and e-cigs may impact virulence of common lung pathogens and have an immunomodulatory effect on the airway epithelium. This study will have a clinical focus and use state-of-the-art next generation sequencing technology to compare the effect on community composition, richness and diversity of the lung microbiota in people who smoke cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Transcriptomic analysis will also be used to determine changes in phenotype, and particular emphasis will be placed on examining transcription of genes associated with virulence and antibotic resistance and correlating this with relevant clinical parameters.
Deadline : Open until filled
(25) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Monitoring antimicrobial resistance in wastewater in Northern Ireland.
Many biological and non-biological health associated markers can be detected in wastewater, giving an overview of prevalence of these markers in the community without the need for individual testing. Given the ever-increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), this project will develop cutting edge techniques to monitor AMR from sites across Northern Ireland and link that with antibiotic usage data in those sites, with a view to identifying areas at increased risk of AMR transmission.
Deadline : Open until filled
(26) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Utilising data linkage to estimate antimicrobial resistance burden in paediatric populations
The project will utilize data linkage techniques to link data from secondary care and primary care to evaluate antibiotic consumption and estimate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) burden in paediatric populations. Geospatial statistical modelling will be applied to investigate AMR by geographical regions.
Deadline : Open until filled
(27) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: To investigate novel interacting drug combinations in the treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer (OC), the most lethal gynaecological cancer, will result in ~13,000 deaths in the UK this year. At time of diagnosis most patients (58%) present with an advanced stage (III or IV) and 5-year survival is 27% for stage III and 13% for stage IV ovarian cancer in which chemotherapy is still the principal treatment for OC patients. Repurposing drug screens with compounds that have already gained FDA approval can accelerate the identification of new therapies to treat an illness and in the cancer setting extend life or provide compassionate care. This research project will focus on investigating drug combinations of novel interacting compounds to identify new therapeutic strategies to treat OC from existing FDA approved drug libraries. Research will focus on evaluating the pharmacology of drug combinations and elucidation of the underlying tumour characteristics associated with a good/poor response to these drugs. In this PhD, we will employ routine cell and molecular biology techniques to study drug responses in cancer cell models. You will gain experience of protein knockdown and over-expression techniques, the study of intracellular signalling and a variety of in vitro assays to measure key hallmarks of tumorigenesis and drug responses in cancer cell lines and primary cultures. Novel results will be tested in in vivo models and/or clinically relevant samples.
Deadline : Open until filled
(28) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections through microneedle delivery of antimicrobial peptides
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical threat to human health and novel antibiotics and treatments are desperately needed to prevent a future pandemic. In this project, a new microneedle delivery system will be developed to administer novel antimicrobial peptides capable of killing multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
The increasing prevalence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a major global concern, with global deaths due to AMR expected to hit ten million per year by 2050. Gram-negative bacteria are particularly problematic as their outer membrane renders them immune to many antibiotics, so we need novel antibiotics and treatments.
Deadline : Open until filled
(29) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Production of super small nanocrystals for drug delivery to target tissues
The student will be involved in an exciting project related to the design, formulation and in vitro/in vivo characterisation of super small drug nanocrystals with specific surface properties to enhance drug accumulation in target tissues, such as the lymphatic or central nervous systems. This approach will be applied to the treatment of infectious and degenerative diseases.
Deadline : Open until filled
(30) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Cold Plasmas for Enhancement of Intracellular Delivery of Macromolecules
Cold plasmas are partially or completely ionised gases which are generated at or near ambient temperatures. Cold plasmas generate a dynamic and diverse array of reactive oxygen species, ROS, (including atomic oxygen (O), superoxide, hydroxyl radicals (OH), superoxide (O2-), singlet oxygen (1O2-), ozone (O3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) and reactive nitrogen species, RNS, (including nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrite (NO2-), nitrate (NO3-) and peroxynitrite (ONOO−)) which have a wide range of cellular effects, including antimicrobial activity. Recently, work in our laboratory has shown that short, sub-lethal cold plasma exposures facilitate the delivery of large therapeutic molecules across cells membranes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Encapsulation of antibiotic into nanoparticles offers the potential to reduce drug inactivation and further enhance uptake. Thus a combined cold plasma and nanoparticle approach has the potential to greatly enhance intracellular drug and macromolecule uptake.
Deadline : Open until filled
(31) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm Formation in Clinical Isolates of Enterococcus faecium – a WHO High Priority Pathogen
The successful candidate will join a dynamic biofilm research group focused understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation and developing novel approaches to their detection and control. The project will combine classical culture-based methodologies of isolation, planktonic and biofilm culture models and biofilm antibiotic susceptibility assays alongside DNA analysis (PCR, next generation sequencing, comparative genomics). The student will build on existing expertise in the group to elucidate E. faecium aggregation and biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, tolerance and persister formation. The project benefits from clinical supervisory links to the Belfast City Hospital Renal Transplant Unit, with the potential for findings to influence clinical practice.
Deadline : Open until filled
(32) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Measurement of outcomes for medicines management interventions for people living with dementia in primary care
Medicines management is a complex process for people living with dementia (PLWD), who often have other comorbidities and are frequently prescribed multiple regular medicines. However, a systematic review published by our research group has indicated that there is a lack of evidence about effective interventions. This is compounded by the fact that different intervention studies use different outcomes to measure effectiveness. Our research group has also developed a Core Outcome Set (COS) which is a minimum set of outcomes to be measured in all medicines management trials in PLWD. Although this COS has outlined what should be measured, it is not clear how outcomes should be measured. Therefore, this project will update the systematic review to assess the latest evidence base for effective interventions, and using established methodology, evaluate and select outcome measurement instruments to be used in intervention studies focusing on medicines management in PLWD.
Deadline : Open until filled
(33) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Self-regulating, self-cleaning biomaterials
A major problem associated with medical devices is infection. With infection rates of approaching 100% in some devices, ways to prevent formation of bacterial biofilm on medical device surfaces are urgently required. This project will develop methods in preventing the development of bacterial growth on polymer surfaces using a combination of strategies. Specifically, we will target polymeric devices such as urinary catheters and endotracheal tubes, which suffer badly from high infection rates, for improvement. The McCoy group has recently published a new way of using changes in chemical environment, such as that found at the onset of infection to trigger drug release. In this project, this technology will be developed further to exploit the changes which occur at the onset of infection to produce materials which can “self-clean” in the presence of an infection.
Deadline : Open until filled
(34) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Microfluidic technologies for the production of Nanomedicines
The aim of this project is to develop nanoparticles (NPs) by microfluidics that contain biologic molecules which will be provided by our industrial partner. Microfluidics is a technique which deals with flow of fluids within micron sized channels. It provides a platform where these NMs can be synthesized in a controlled manner enabling to tune their size, charge, polydispersity, and other surface fictionalization properties. In addition, the technique is energetically economical, easier to use, comparatively cheaper and faster, and also the molecules which hasn’t been incorporated in the particles can be reused.
Deadline : Open until filled
(35) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Pharmacist-led medicines optimisation case management services: evaluation and development of the Medicines Optimisation in Older People (MOOP) model
Older people often have multiple co-morbid medical conditions (multimorbidity) and take multiple medicines (polypharmacy). They are at increased risk of receiving potentially inappropriate medicines, experiencing adverse drug events, and having reduced quality of life, higher mortality, and greater health services use. Medicines optimisation, defined as “a person-centred approach to safe and effective medicines use, to ensure people obtain the best possible outcomes from their medicines” (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) reduces potentially inappropriate prescribing, improves quality of care provision and generates cost-savings. A pharmacist-led medicines optimisation in older people (MOOP) model has been introduced in acute, intermediate and care home settings in Northern Ireland.
Deadline : Open until filled
(36) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: 3D & 4D printing in cancer management
According to WHO, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with nearly 1 in 6 deaths been due to cancer. The principal modes of cancer management are surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and pharmaceutical agents. However, there are many side effects from extant treatments e.g., invasiveness of surgery, and with other treatments being systemic in nature; therefore, only a small fraction of the drugs reaches the tumor site. In the last two decades Nanomedicines (NMs) are being explored for their potentials in treatment of numerous diseases and especially for cancer. The market for nanoformulated medicines is growing at a significant rate, with an estimated market value of $15.8 billion in 2014 and forecasted growth to $44.5 billion by 2019. The outcomes of the project have the potential to confer significant benefits for future medicines development.
Deadline : Open until filled
(37) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Microfluidic Encapsulation of biologics into Nanomedicines
Progress in drug design has led to the development of new peptides, proteins, and drug molecules. However, the limited ability to deliver selectively these molecules at well-defined dosing regimens and without invoking drug-resistance remains a significant challenge. Another challenging aspect of some smaller sized biologics is the clearance rate. Certain modifications are required to enable effective residency time in the body. Therefore, the development of effective therapies relies on the development of effective carriers that can mitigate these challenges. Historically, lipid encapsulation of an API has led to the protection of bio-sensitive APIs, such as biologics. Evidence of this is well documented in literature. The use of carriers such as liposomes, prevents a variety of proteases from early degradation of the protein-based molecules. The initial step of encapsulation within a liposome also provides the opportunity for future membrane modification, for example with PEGylated phospholipids. This would open the door to a higher capacity for targeted delivery or altering pharmacokinetic parameters such as residence time. The confined volumetric environment provided by the Microfluidic (MF) environment coerces the self-assembly process during encapsulation to be performed in a controlled and reproducible manner. MFs can be considered as a far greener process compared to other methods currently used by companies, not only by the reduced number of materials, but also the time (and hence subsequent energy exposure) taken for formulation. The system allows the production of encapsulated NPs with predictable sizes and PDI with the need for minimal post processing. This aspect means that a pharmacopoeia grade formulation can be produced in a short and economically viable way. The aim of this Ph.D. project, which includes formulation, scalability of the MF platform, computational modelling, in vitro and (potentially) in vivo studies, is the development of formulations for the successful delivery of biologics, which could be subject to extensive metabolism or clearance post-administration, which highlights the need for alternative formulation suing MFs. The goal is to develop and optimise a method to successfully delivering a range of biopharmaceutical molecules.
Deadline : Open until filled
(38) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Developing biodegradable long acting drug delivery systems for the treatment of chronic conditions
A potential tool to develop this type of drug-delivery systems is 3D-printing. This type of manufacturing technology has several advantages over other techniques used for the production of medical devices. One of these advantages is the ability to prepare devices adapted to patient’s needs/anatomy. Therefore, this PhD project seeks to develop long-acting drug delivery systems (LADDS) using 3D-printing technology for the treatment of chronic conditions. Pharmaceutical companies, charities and UK Research Councils all currently have LADDS development as a priority. Indeed, the QUB Drug Delivery Team has received extensive funding to develop and apply such systems. The Supervisory Team has been supported by EPSRC, Academy of Medical Sciences, Prostate Cancer UK the US NIH and USAID. Moreover, a range of leading pharmaceutical companies are currently funding research projects in our lab to develop LADDS. Accordingly, QUB has extensive experience in developing such systems. The interest of pharmaceutical companies in LADDS have risen significantly. Accordingly, this project will address not only a clear patient need, but also a growing commercial interest. This 3-year PhD project will be focused on delivery of two representative compounds: risperidone and tizanidine. The first drug is an antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia. The second compound is a centrally acting muscle relaxant used to treat spasticity in multiple sclerosis. The project will explore the use of several technologies, including 3D-printing, to develop solid implantable LADDS.
Deadline : Open until filled
(39) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Novel strategies and innovative technologies to produce amorphous solid dispersion
Poor drug solubility presents a major challenge in drug product development of oral solid dosage (OSD) forms. However, many new development compounds exhibit poor solubility and only a few of them reach market approval. Therefore, several formulation strategies are being explored to overcome solubility issues, with solid dispersion technology being of particular importance. Hot-melt extrusion is one of the key technologies for the production of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) and presents several advantages such as continuous and solvent-free processing, versatility and the capability to produce high-drug loaded formulations. Especially, high dose formulations are often required to reduce the pill burden of the patient, but the development of high dose formulation can also be challenging in terms of ASD stability and processability. Lately, novel manufacturing techniques emerge having the potential to revolutionize future pharmaceutical manufacturing. One of these techniques is additive manufacturing or 3D Printing, which enables dose personalization as well as the production advanced dosage forms. Coupling of solubility enhancement strategies and novel manufacturing techniques has a high potential and offers new opportunities in future drug product development.
Deadline : Open until filled
(40) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Peptide-based nanoparticles for brain targeted gene delivery
Right from the start the PhD student will be involved in academic research designed to have translational/clinical application. This dual approach spans: 1) Research Skills: the academic supervisors will ensure excellent training in nanoparticle formulation, systematic physical characterisation, in vitro cell and molecular biology techniques and potentially in vivo skills. 2) Record keeping & monitoring: Monthly meetings with the student will take place with electronic records. Students must also complete a 3-month initial review and annual progress review to proceed to years 2 & 3. The annual progress review involves written work, presentation and/or mini viva. However, at each of these meetings, the primary supervisor will also be present ensuring that the maximal training benefit can be derived from these processes. 3) Additionally, there will be opportunities to present at academic meetings, building professional networks, personal development on courses for animal licenses, advanced statistics, skills which are all relevant to subsequent employment opportunities.
Deadline : Open until filled
(41) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Genetic Engineering of Immune Effector Cells for CAR therapies using a Peptide Technology
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapies have demonstrated remarkable treatment outcomes and several CAR-T therapies now approved for treatment of haematological malignancies. However, the complex manufacturing process and use of the patient’s own cells increases costs, time to treatment and limits patient eligibility. NK cells are an attractive alternative for adoptive immunotherapy due to the unique ability for spontaneous cytotoxicity against cancer cells. CAR-NK cells present the advantage over CAR-T cells of unlimited use of allogenic NK sources without concern of graft-versus-host disease, and thus have the potential to be produced as an “off-the-shelf” product. Successful CAR immunotherapy depends on efficient and sustained transfer of the CAR transgene to immune cells. Safety concerns and expensive production with viral vectors warrants the development of novel non-viral delivery systems. Currently, electroporation and lipid nanoparticles are the main non-viral delivery methods for CAR transgenes, which have limitations due to poor cell viability and low transfection efficiencies. Peptides RALA and CHAT successfully deliver both DNA and mRNA to a range of immune cell lines in vitro without toxicity. This project will investigate the application of RALA and CHAT for sustained gene delivery, as a safer and more cost-efficient alternative to current CAR therapy manufacturing methods.
Deadline : Open until filled
About Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom: Official website
Queen’s University Belfast (informally Queen’s or QUB) is a public research university in Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. The university received its charter in 1845 as “Queen’s College, Belfast” and opened four years later.
Queen’s offers academic degrees at various levels, with approximately 300 degree programmes available. The current president and vice-chancellor is Ian Greer. The annual income of the institution for 2019–20 was £400 million of which £88.7 million was from research grants and contracts, with an expenditure of £372.7 million.
Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group of research intensive universities, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the European University Association, Universities UK and Universities Ireland. The university is associated with two Nobel laureates and one Turing Award laureate.
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