University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England 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 University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England.
Eligible candidate may Apply as soon as possible.
(01) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Widening the ‘NET’ to identify new treatments for bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis (NCFB) is a chronic lung condition that affects >200,000 people in the UK. Acute exacerbations of NCFB require intense treatment and carry significant implications for morbidity and mortality particularly from cardiovascular events. The precise pathophysiological changes leading up to exacerbation are poorly understood. However, some disease characteristics share striking similarities to that of inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) drive inflammation in RA and are elevated in NCFB sputum. However, little is known about the role of neutrophils/NETs in the clinical transition from stable to exacerbation to resolution of NCFB. This new project between the Universities of Liverpool and Newcastle will accelerate impact and translation of two longitudinal NCFB studies, POSTED and BronchUK, to define the relationship between the sputum proteome, systemic inflammation, neutrophils/NETs and clinical outcomes
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(02) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Unveiling novel interactions between the human complement system and pathogenic Neisseria
Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a designated ‘superbug’ responsible for the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhoea, represent critical public health threats. Despite advances in vaccination, meningococcal infections are on the rise, prompting health advisories from the CDC. The global surge in gonococcal infections, and increased antimicrobial resistance to last-line treatments, has led to both the WHO and CDC to classify N. gonorrhoeae as a high-priority pathogen. Understanding the immune evasion strategies of Neisseria is paramount for the design of novel drug and vaccine interventions
Research Aim: This PhD project seeks to dissect the molecular mechanisms that Neisseria spp. use to manipulate the host immune system, focusing specifically on the interactions of the Factor H-Related Proteins (FHRs) a component of the human complement system—an essential first line of defence against infections. This study will delve into how FHRs modulate complement activation and how their interactions with Neisseria contribute to disease progression.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
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(03) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Understanding the mechanisms of norovirus replication
Since the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, norovirus is the dominant cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide. Globally it causes ~685 million cases/year, including >50,000 deaths in the infant and elderly populations (CDC, 2024). In the UK, norovirus cases have recently reached a five-year high over pre-pandemic levels, primarily associated with health and social care settings (UKHSA). In 2018, direct and indirect costs to the NHS alone were estimated as £297M annually (Sandmann et al. 2018), and the overall cost of norovirus to the economy was estimated by the FSA as £1,68B/year. The “winter vomiting bug” as it is colloquially known, makes headlines every year, despite this there is no licensed antiviral or vaccine to treat norovirus infections, and treatments are supportive (i.e. rehydration).
Effective antivirals usually target one or more steps of viral replication, therefore to develop effective antivirals against norovirus, we need a greater understanding of the process of norovirus replication. Viral enzymes are the logical focus as these are not present in uninfected cells. During norovirus replication viral enzymes are cleaved from a single long polyprotein and have distinct functions in both fully and partially-cleaved states. We seek to identify which states correspond to distinct roles of these enzymes during viral infection to develop these as drug targets.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(04) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Understanding skeletal tissue responses to sex and menopause in osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major chronic degenerative joint disease that affects a significant number of the ageing population representing the largest cause of disability and pain in people over 50 years of age. Despite this high prevalence and severity, there are still very limited treatment options available. OA pathology affects all tissues of the musculoskeletal system, including articular cartilage degeneration, osteophyte formation, ligament ossification, subchondral bone sclerosis and loss of muscle mass. It is also clear that women develop more severe disease, especially following the menopause, and that hormone replacement therapy is not a successful avenue to decrease OA development.
Sex dimorphisms are clear in skeletal tissues in general, however the large majority of research is still being performed on male tissues and in vivo models. A consequence of this is the lack of knowledge about how female sex and specific events such as the menopause affect articular function and health, and their impact on OA development.
In this project, our main objective is to describe how sex and menopause contribute to OA development at the individual, tissue and cellular levels.
Deadline :13 December 2024
(05) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Understanding how diabetes affects retinal cell crosstalk
We are inviting applications for a PhD research project to investigate how diabetes impacts communication between different cell types in the retina, which will enable to unlock new treatments for diabetic eye disease.
Why is this research important? Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes, affecting millions worldwide and leading to vision impairment and blindness. By 2045, It is estimated that 160 million people will suffer from this condition. Current research has mainly focused on how diabetes impacts blood vessels in the eye, but the retina is made up of over 12 different cell types that communicate with each other to maintain eye health. We believe that changes in this communication play a crucial role in diabetic retinopathy, and this project aims to uncover how.
We hypothesised that cell-to-cell communication within the retina is altered in diabetes. The aim of this research project is to investigate how diabetes alters the way retinal cells communicate, leading to disease progression. This work will fill a critical knowledge gap and could lead to the discovery of new treatments to prevent vision loss.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
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(06) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Uncovering the molecular mechanisms underpinning A. baumannii virulence
The aim of this project is to fully characterise CTPs from A. baumannii to better understand the molecular machinery involved in pathogenicity and virulence. Structural and biochemical techniques will be employed to unpick the complex regulatory mechanisms of CTPs, and determine the features dictating substrate selection. The functional role of CTPs and their contribution to virulence, will be determined by uncovering the interacting proteins & substrates and evaluating CTP mutants using in vitro and clinically relevant in vivo infection models. These findings will be used to develop peptide inhibitors to block CTP function.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(07) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Therapeutics for Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome
The overall aim of this project is to develop therapeutic interventions for Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The work is in collaboration with Infex Therapeutics and comes with an enhanced stipend.
Emerging pandemics are a constant threat, causing widespread morbidity, mortality and economic cost. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 7M deaths (WHO) and cost of $12.5 trillion (IMF) globally. Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging threat with pandemic potential. There are good vaccines and therapeutics now for SARS-CoV-2 but there is little available for MERS-CoV. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a range of therapeutics to fill the gap before deployment of specific vaccines and for treating those where vaccines are ineffective. MERS-CoV is a zoonotic virus responsible for outbreaks of severe respiratory disease in the Middle East. Case fatality rates can be up to 35%. Transmission to humans is largely from camels but human-to-human transmission has been reported. MERS-CoV is a containment level 3 pathogen and so its study is slowed by the requirement for dedicated facilities. The development of rapid in vitro screens based on non-infectious replicons will speed up the development of drug interventions before more detailed testing in higher containment. The development of efficacious drugs is critical and novel. Mutation and evolution of MERS-CoV to be more transmissible to and between humans poses a considerable pandemic threat. The identification of therapeutics to combat these agents is therefore extremely timely.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(08) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: The role of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in atrial IP3 signaling: Exploring the potential of utilizing PDEs as therapies for atrial fibrillation
Our project is aligned with MRC and DiMeN Strategy – to tackle major health problems and improve human health. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia (incidence 1-2%). Age-related increases in the risk for AF contribute to 14% of strokes in the UK, as well as heart failure and dementia, leading to a substantial healthcare burden. Some therapeutic drugs/interventions are not always 100% effective and have some associated morbidity/mortality issues. Because traditional antiarrhythmic medications lack particular molecular targets, understanding the molecular aetiology of AF is essential.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
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(09) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: The Biting-Edge of AI – Predicting Mosquito Vector Competence for Viruses
Mosquito-borne viruses (arboviruses) pose major global threats to animal and human health, and food security. They are disproportionately prominent in global emerging infectious diseases, currently threaten the UK (e.g., West Nile and Usutu viruses), and will likely continue to increase in their global importance.
While current research primarily focuses on the climatic suitability of established mosquito vectors, many local species have proven to be competent for arbovirus transmission. Viruses such as Zika, West Nile, chikungunya, and Usutu have expanded their global reach, largely due to previously unexposed mosquito species becoming viable new vectors.
The ability to computationally predict whether a local mosquito species is able transmit an arbovirus before incursion is paramount for enhancing risk assessment, preparedness, and outbreak mitigation.
This project aims to develop an AI-framework to predict vector-competence. This framework can estimate transmission risk in new regions; and prioritise the otherwise unfeasible number of virus-mosquito combinations that would be required for a before-the-incursion testing regimen. Importantly, this framework can improve its predictive performance by directing wet-lab based experiments to target its blind-spots.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(10) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Signalling systems in Pseudomonas: understanding new routes to prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa adaptation to the lungs
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetically-inheritable life-threatening disease amongst Caucasians. People with CF are susceptible to chronic lung infections, most commonly caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). CF patients are regularly treated with aggressive antibiotic therapy, particularly during periodic pulmonary exacerbations. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global challenge, with Pa being identified by as a top priority. Understanding what drives Pa AMR is thus essential to enable the development of novel therapeutics for CF patients.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
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(11) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Regulation of transcription replication conflicts in cancer: mechanism and functional implications in acute myeloid leukemia
This project focuses on the emerging field of transcription-replication conflicts (TRCs) in cancer.
In cancer cells, oncogenic transcription is essential for unrestricted cancer cell proliferation, yet it also causes genomic instability during DNA synthesis. Transcription interference with the replication fork induces replication stress, manifested as defective DNA synthesis, increased DNA damage and loss of important epigenetic information. Cancer cells have evolved mechanisms counteracting replication stress, allowing them to grow and develop resistance to treatments. Oncogenic transcription can cause TRCs by inducing R-loops. R-loops are RNA-DNA hybrid structures formed when newly synthesized RNA anneals to the template DNA, displacing complement DNA. When not resolved, R-loops can interfere with the replication fork causing replication stress and impeding cancer cell proliferation. Nevertheless, our understanding of how R-loops are counteracted in cancer is limited. This knowledge gap will be addressed in this project.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
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(12) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Mitochondrial quality control for a healthy brain
A deterioration in mitochondrial health is linked to normal ageing and several neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s (PD), Alzheimer’s and Motor Neuron Diseases. We are particularly interested in PD for which there is good evidence that a defect in the clearance of damaged mitochondria by a process called mitophagy can lead to the condition. At the core of this pathway are two proteins (PINK1 and Parkin) which have been genetically linked to PD, through loss of function mutations. A major challenge in the field is how to activate this pathway or compensate for its loss. One approach we have been working on together with industrial partners is to inhibit a deubiquitylase enzyme called USP30. This has led to some promising pre-clinical results which have provided the green light for clinical trials to begin this year. With this project we are now seeking to build out knowledge of the pathway, by studying two other less well studied proteins, which may offer new therapeutic strategies. The host laboratory is a vibrant and well equipped biochemistry and cell biology environment (http://pcwww.liv.ac.uk/~clague/). We use tissue culture models that include neurons induced from iPSC cells. Our primary aims are to gain fundamental mechanistic insights leading to high quality publications and to enable the PD drug discovery pipeline.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(13) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Migration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa towards antibiotics: mechanisms and consequences
Objective 1:
How does antibiotic taxis facilitate resistance evolution? We have previously studied antibiotic taxis using steep gradients that drive strong responses, but these ultimately kill responding cells. Here, we will use microfluidics to generate realistic antibiotic landscapes to resolve how movement towards progressively higher antibiotic concentrations might facilitate resistance evolution over multiple days.
Objective 2:
How do cells sense antibiotic gradients? We found that the Pil-Chp signalling pathway regulates chemotaxis in surface-attached P.aeruginosa[4,5]. However, the receptor associated with this pathway is not required for antibiotic taxis, implicating a novel sensing mechanism. We will resolve the molecular components underpinning antibiotic taxis using mutants and sophisticated cell-tracking tools to analyse their behaviour.
Objective 3:
What attracts P.aeruginosa towards S.aureus colonies? Bacteria secrete diverse compounds that could impact motility. Using microfluidic assays, we will identify compounds driving P.aeruginosa attraction to S.aureus colonies (including recently implicated toxins) and resolve the behavioural/genetic mechanisms involved.
Deadline :13 December 2024
(14) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Identification of accessible biomarkers reflecting drug stimulation of the NRF2 antioxidant pathway in humans
The project will integrate laboratory and computational methods (anticipated split 75:25) to identify the most promising accessible biomarkers of NRF2 activity, with work sub-divided into the chapters of the PhD thesis (all necessary ethical approvals are in place):
1. Use of computational tools and public ‘omics data sets to establish an ‘NRF2 activity score’ that can quantify the response to drug stimulation in humans.
2. Testing of the ‘NRF2 activity score’ in perfused human liver tissue following treatment with NRF2 activating drugs.
3. Identification of proteins secreted from human liver tissue in response to NRF2 activating drugs.
4. Transcriptomics analysis of human blood to further test the ‘NRF2 activity score’ and identify the cell types most responsive to NRF2 activating drugs.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(15) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Exploring the anti-fibrotic activity and underlying molecular mechanisms of targeted compounds in patient derived models of Dupuytren’ disease and cancer
Fibrosis is characterised by an excessive accumulation of collagen within tissues, which impedes tissue function. Organ fibroses have limited treatment options, create a clinical burden and are life-limiting diseases1. Cancer-associated fibrosis impacts cancer growth and progression2, whilst creating a barrier to chemotherapeutics and immunotherapies. Cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy can further exacerbate fibrosis3.
The aim of this PhD project is to test the extent to which anti-fibrotics can reduce synthesis of collagen in Dupuytren’s disease and cancer. For this iCASE project, you will collaborate with a biotechnology company, RedEx Pharma, alongside research and study at the University of Liverpool.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(16) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Dissecting diversity of complement-binding cell surface proteins to enhance leptospiral vaccine efficacy
Making vaccines more broadly protective and easily accessible can only increase uptake, decreasing both global antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is especially important for leptospirosis, a severe infectious disease of humans and animals which is emerging/re-emerging globally driven by global warming associated increases in extreme climatic events such as flooding.
Here, we combine synthetic biology, artificial intelligence (AI) and in silico approaches to investigate host specificity and guide engineering of bacterial surface proteins to develop a novel thermostable vaccine with broad Leptospira specificity and enhanced efficacy.
Specifically, this studentship will focus on dissecting mechanisms of host specificity by studying the molecular diversity of complement component 8 (C8)-binding surface proteins of leptospire bacteria in combination with functional (biochemical), immunological and AI-based analyses. These data will subsequently enable generation of bacterial surface proteins no longer able to bind C8 together with enhanced thermostability at both physiological and cold chain relevant temperatures. Such engineering means when the bacterial protein is used as a vaccine it will mitigate a key bacterial immune evasion mechanism which together with increased stability should enhance vaccine efficacy and accessibility. Development of such designer vaccines should underpin better worldwide control of leptospirosis.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(17) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Development of a biocompatible and bioabsorbable mechanical metamaterial for bone fixation
Orthopaedic screws are essential for treating injuries such as fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, and limb alignment. Therefore, screw failure can significantly impact injury healing. The pullout strength of a screw plays a crucial role in determining the likelihood of screw failure. The decrease in pullout strength is linked to screw loosening, with over-tightening being the primary cause of screw loosening. It is estimated that over 10% of implants fail due to screw loosening and pullout. Screws without a locking system are 25% more likely to be overtightened, leading to implant failures, so an alternative fixation method is needed to overcome this limitation. Simultaneously, there is growing importance placed on bioabsorbable screws for the fixation of peri-articular and intra-articular fractures, eliminating the need for implant removal. These new bioabsorbable screws can lead to loosening after partial degradation. Therefore, this study aims to use experimental and computational methods in designing, manufacturing, and testing biocompatible mechanical metamaterials as an alternative fixation technology to standard bone screws.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(18) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Decoding Shank3: New Insights into neuronal maintenance and neurodegeneration via structural analysis and Drosophila models
As we age, neurons deteriorate. This is often accelerated by mutations in proteins associated with neurological disorders. Shank3 is a key protein in the synapse, where it supports the assembly of postsynaptic density critical for synaptic transmission. Mutations in the SHANK3 gene are associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Recent evidence suggests that Shank3 also plays a vital role in neuron maintenance during ageing, and in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) protein levels are altered. However, the precise molecular mechanisms linking Shank3 dysfunction to age-related neurodegeneration are currently poorly understood. This project aims to explore these mechanisms and provide new insights into how Shank3 mutations impact neuronal integrity, synaptic function, and age-related decline. This information is critical for the development of future treatments for neurodegenerative disorders and for the improvement of the neuronal health at the later stages of life.
The first objective of this project will focus on investigating the molecular properties of Shank3 that contribute to its stability and function. Using advanced biochemical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Dynamic Light Scattering, we will analyse how different domains of Shank3 interact and how certain mutations destabilize the protein. We hypothesize that some mutations cause the protein to aggregate in neurons, underlying neurodegeneration.
The second objective will build on this molecular analysis and explore how these changes manifest in living neurons. Using genetically modified Drosophila models that express mutated Shank3, we will observe the protein distribution and behaviour within neurons. Our preliminary data suggest that certain mutations lead to abnormal accumulations of Shank3 aggregates along axons, which could impair neuronal communication. By studying the effect of Shank3 on neuronal health, we will determine whether mutations in Shank3 cause a loss of normal function or if the aggregates themselves are toxic to neurons.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(19) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Cracking the Mitochondrial Code: New Frontiers in Tackling Linezolid Toxicity for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis
Linezolid is known to inhibit mitochondrial protein synthesis, and this mechanism is thought to underlie its toxic side effects. The objective of this studentship is to understand whether inter-individual variability in mtDNA plays a role in susceptibility to the ADRs associated with linezolid. This research builds on collaborations with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), through which you will have access to clinical samples from patients treated with linezolid. You will use this data to develop an innovative functional polygenic score, the mtDNA variant load model, to examine how mtDNA variations impact risk of linezolid-related ADRs. To add further mechanistic detail, you will combine these genomic investigations with functional validation studies, using a bespoke in vitro model for the study of mtDNA in drug safety (HepG2 transmitochondrial cybrids). This project benefits from having all clinical and genetic data collected and available, with all the necessary technology, equipment, and expertise in place.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
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(20) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Characterization of immunological responses in patients with liver cancer to predict immunotherapy efficacy and immune-related adverse events
Liver cancer, a devastating and incurable cancer has poor patient outcomes largely due to late-stage diagnosis, limited treatment options, and lack of biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), that enhance an effective immune response have demonstrated robust anti-tumour efficacy in a subset of patients. However, the efficacy of such therapy varies, and, in some cases, may trigger a wide range of life-threatening immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Up to 40% patients receiving ICI therapies develop serious irAEs, which require cessation of therapy and immunosuppression that can compromise cancer treatment. The number of new cases and deaths from liver cancer could rise by 55% by 2040. With the increasingly widespread use of cancer immunotherapies, the cases of irAEs have become a prevalent and costly burden of immunotherapies in recent years, and likely will continue to increase with more complexity and severity, representing a major barrier to delivering effective immunotherapies to cancer patients. It is therefore important to identify predictive biomarkers that will discern which patients are most likely to respond to immunotherapy, as well as biomarkers that can monitor treatment response.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(21) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Bioengineering a protein nanocage as a novel drug and antigen vaccine delivery platform for cancer therapeutics
Are you passionate about making a difference in cancer treatment? Join our exciting PhD project developing cutting-edge nanotechnology to outsmart cancer!
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of disease-associated death worldwide. Despite continued improvement of treatment success in patients, there is a growing need for more targeted treatments in which therapeutic drugs and/or vaccines can be delivered more specifically to tumour sites while simultaneously also stimulating the body’s immune system to fight the cancer cells [1].
Nanoparticle-based drug delivery has recently emerged as a promising platform in disease treatment [2,3]. Our recent success in producing new types of nanoscale protein shells by bioengineering [4,5] opens a new avenue to generate a completely novel platform for targeted delivery of cancer therapeutic drugs and vaccines directly to tumours. This novel system could potentially:
· Target treatments precisely to cancer cells, reducing side effects
· Carry multiple drugs to attack tumours from different angles
· Stimulate the immune system to fight cancer naturally
· Offer greater biocompatibility, robustness, specificity, and efficiency in cancer therapeutics
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(22) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Ageing-related susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia
In this project, you will embark on an exciting research journey to understand how ageing makes us more vulnerable to the important bacterial pathogen, Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Based on the most recent Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in 2021, the pneumococcus remains the most common non-COVID-19 cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRI), responsible for an estimated 97.9 million LRI episodes and over half a million deaths globally. Invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPDs), most commonly pneumonia, are especially prevalent in young children (< 2 years) and older people (>65 years), contributing significantly to public health burden worldwide. Worryingly, the incidence and case fatality rates of IPDs remain at high levels in the elderly population since 1990 despite the wide coverage of the pneumococcal immunisation programme. As they age, older people can suffer from a decline in their immune system defence making them extremely vulnerable to infection.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(23) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: A novel theragnostic approach for treating brain tumours
The overall aim of this project is to develop a novel treatment paradigm for glioblastomas using the following goals: 1) Development of xenograft models of glioblastomas and their characterization using longitudinal high-resolution MRI. 2) Developing targeted delivery of custom designed super-paramagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIONs) to the tumour using endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) labelled with SPIONs. 3) Assessment of preferential localization of SPIONs in the tumour using magnetic particle imaging (MPI) scanner. 4) Developing selective heating of the SPIONS in the tumour using MFH to ablate the tumor without impacting the normal tissue. 5) Monitoring MFH induced treatment response using advanced MRI methods.
Deadline : 13 December 2024
(24) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Microbial Induced Electrochemistry at the Local Site and Single Cell Level
This PhD project brings together expertise in nanoscale surface science and local scale electrochemistry, cell-surface interaction probes, microbiology and imaging across physical and biological sciences to study the electrochemical process that occurs both at the local site and single cell level and at the population level.
The appointed student will gain multidisciplinary skills and expertise in advanced characterisation techniques, including surface spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, local electrochemistry and bio-imaging approach, leveraging the unique capabilities at our Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces, Surface Science Research Centre and the Centre of Cell Imaging, both equipped with state-of-the-art techniques.
Deadline : 15 June 2025
(25) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Machine Learning for LDEW target recognition and line-of-sight stabilisation.
The aim of this project is to apply machine learning techniques to identify air targets from high-frame rate (and low contrast) imagery that is representative of LDEW tracking systems. In this project the student would be expected to develop Machine Learning based algorithms to process fast-frame rate imagery and identify air-based objects to determine potential threats. There will be a requirement to do this in time scales that are relevant for the stabilisation the aim point of the LDEW tracking system, and it should be robust to confounding factors, such as smoke and visible countermeasures. This will involve using image processing techniques and appropriate processing of sequences of images of the same object to ascertain key identifiers and comparing these to known objects. This may include the use of 3D object models and/or large image databases.
Deadline : 31 December 2024
(26) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: LYONS-JONES Scholarship PhD programme within the Institute of Systems, Integrative and Molecular Biology
We welcome applications from candidates that self-identify as coming from underrepresented background for the LYONS-JONES SCHOLARSHIP PhD programme within the Institute of Systems, Integrative and Molecular Biology at the University of Liverpool. As part of our commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive environment within our Institute, we have established the LYONS-JONES SCHOLARSHIP scheme to support candidates with outstanding potential, from diverse backgrounds.
The scheme is open to both European/UK and International students. We offer a 4-year, fully-funded PhD studentship, with a programme of integrated research and skills training.
Deadline : 31 January 2025
(27) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Investigating the metabolic response of low and high dietary vitamin A intake in humans using cell and mammal models
In the proposed PhD research you will further investigate the associations of metabolic perturbations related to vitamin A deficiency and excess in mammals. Specifically, you will (1) Use cell line, tissue explant culture studies and already available human cadaver samples to investigate metabolic changes in deficiency and toxicity and determine whether cell, tissue and animal models represent metabolic changes observed from existing model data; (2) use cell line, tissue explant and animal models to associate metabolic changes with cellular and tissue morphology and function (e.g. liver hypertrophy) and define vitamin A levels associated with deficiency and toxicity and (3) to determine if provitamin A sources can contribute to the risk of vitamin A excess and if current guidelines will need to include these forms for upper level determinations. You will receive training in biochemistry techniques, cell and tissue culturing, untargeted and targeted metabolite analysis and computational analysis of omics datasets. You will integrate into research groups at the Universities of Liverpool and Newcastle composed of PhD students, post-doctoral researchers and technical staff.
Deadline : 31 December 2024
(28) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High-throughput exploration of multicomponent metal organic frameworks (MOFs)
New porous materials are important for advances in key technologies such as carbon dioxide sequestration and storage or catalysts for clean manufacturing. The assembly of multiple metal and organic linkers in the well-defined and complex crystal structures of multicomponent metal organic frameworks (MOFs) will deliver materials with enhanced properties. However, at present we do not have the experimental tools with the scale and speed to efficiently explore the vast chemical space available. This project will harness recent advances in robotics to efficiently explore the discovery of new multicomponent MOFs. The student will design and execute experiments on state-of-the-art robotic synthesis platforms, develop the required measurement approaches to extract and analyse data from the arrays of materials.
Training in robotics, chemistry and structural characterisation will be given. The project will develop protocols to identify materials with potential application gas separation (focusing on capturing carbon dioxide from flue gas and challenging separations of hydrocarbons) and catalysis (transformation of biomass for next-generation clean manufacturing) applications that will focus the large numbers of new materials identified for further detailed exploration. The project is driven by a vision of a future where research scientists will make routine, broad use of robotics as part of the discovery of advanced materials, and thus the project will prepare the student for a wide range of industrial and academic career opportunities.
Deadline : 31 August 2025
(29) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High speed ‘laminar’ flows for laser and hypersonic applications.
The project is to contribute to a major EPSRC research programme intended to develop generation after next technologies for applications in defence and security, and this project will be co-funded by QinetiQ.
The project will be concerned with producing high speed ‘laminar’ flows for laser and hypersonic applications.
This project will aim to develop plasma actuator-type devices capable of producing high velocity ‘laminar’ flow which could be used to better understand the interactions of lasers with fast moving plasma flows or could be used to create a static hypersonic test bed reactor. Through both modelling and experiments, we will examine the potential for plasma actuators to be designed and used in such a way as to create laminar and high velocity conditions which could be potentially useful in a number of energy transfer technologies.
The plan is to recruit a PhD candidate to undertake this project, who will be aligned to the EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Skills and Training (S&T) Hub. The main aim of the S&T Hub is to train the next generation of leaders in energy transfer technologies relevant for defence and other related applications. The Hub is supported by MoD, Dstl, and UK companies working in the defence and security sector.
Deadline : 31 December 2024
(30) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High power laser development
This PhD project will contribute to a major Ministry of Defence (MoD) research programme intended to develop generation after next technologies for applications in defence and security, and is co-funded by Qinetiq.
The project will focus on creating high-energy, high-repetition-rate lasers. It will involve the student working with optical fibre lasers operating at 1mm and combining the output of these systems using polarisation combination to create one output beam. The project aims to harness the major advantages of chirped pulsed amplifier Yb fibre lasers over other solid-state systems by using combination technologies to increase the low (nJ – mJ) energy output into J level pulses at kHz repetition rates. This performance is unobtainable with current systems and the project involves working at the forefront of laser technology to drive innovative development and performance.
Deadline : 31 December 2024
(31) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Exploring the therapeutic potential of calmodulin in the context of inherited cardiac arrhythmia
In this project, we will develop, characterise and validate hypersensitive CaM variants (CaM HS) with improved calcium binding properties and the ability to restore ion channel regulation, as a novel therapeutic avenue. With recent promising advances in protein replacement therapy, our findings will reveal the therapeutic potential of CaM in the context of inherited cardiac arrhythmia.
This is an exceptional opportunity for the successful applicant to receive comprehensive research training in techniques ranging from molecular cloning, protein biochemistry, structural biology and electrophysiology. The successful applicant will gain experience in dissemination of scientific knowledge by preparing articles for publication and through presenting findings at both national and international research conferences. Broader research training will also be provided through the University’s PGR training programme and doctoral training college.
Deadline : 6 December 2024
(32) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Experimental Discovery of New Ionic Conducting Materials
This project tackles the discovery of new materials for solid state batteries that will have higher energy densities and superior safety to current technologies. It is based on the design and discovery of new inorganic solids with unprecedented structures that will allow new mechanisms for fast ion motion in solids. Materials that allow the rapid motion of ions are essential for the new energy technologies needed to meet the challenge of net zero, such as batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers for green hydrogen. We recently discovered a new lithium solid electrolyte that changes previous understanding of how to design fast ion transport in solid state materials (Science 383, 739, 2024), and expand upon this new structure type through performance optimisation via substitution (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 63, e202409372, 2024). This project will explore the enormous range of possibilities for the synthesis of new lithium- and magnesium-ion conducting materials based on this discovery. It will combine synthetic solid-state chemistry, advanced structural analysis, and measurement of the conductivity and electrochemical properties of the new materials, enabling the successful candidate to develop a diverse experimental skillset. The student will participate in the selection of synthetic targets as part of a multidisciplinary team that combine artificial intelligence and computational methods with chemical understanding to design new materials – the process that led to our recent discovery, which the student will have the opportunity to participate in and improve.
Deadline : 31 August 2025
(33) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Expanding the Chemical Universe: 3D Features Driving Next-Gen Synthesis Predictions
This PhD project aims to systematically investigate the role of 3D conformer and descriptor information in enhancing the generalizability of forward synthesis prediction models. The goal is to determine how and when to incorporate 3D information to optimize model performance. This project will also explore the development of novel generative approaches4 that effectively utilize this information to enhance compound design.
Deadline : 20 December 2024
(34) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Enzymes for Sustainable Amide Synthesis Under Aqueous Conditions for Pharmaceutical Applications
A PhD studentship is available to work on a multidisciplinary project led by Professor Andrew Carnell on the discovery and development of enzymes for application in the sustainable synthesis of amides under aqueous conditions.
Amide bond formation is recognised as the most frequently used reaction in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. Carboxylic acids are generally activated as acid chlorides or anhydrides prior to reaction with amines. Alternatively, a wide range of coupling reagents can be used. However, these approaches use toxic materials or require difficult separations and are not atom economic.
Biocatalytic methods have emerged as a complementary approach, with lipases most often used for the synthesis of esters and also amides, although the use of organic solvents to minimise competing hydrolysis reduces sustainability. The ability to catalyse acyl transfer reactions to synthesise amides in aqueous media is extremely desirable and makes the amidation compatible with other enzyme reactions.
Deadline : 1 May 2025
(35) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Discovery of new inorganic materials for net zero applications
The experimental discovery of new inorganic materials shows us how crystal structure and chemical composition control physical and chemical properties. It is therefore critical for our ability to design functional materials with the properties we will need for the next zero transition. Examples include ion motion and redox chemistry in batteries for transport and grid storage, solar absorbers for photovoltaic technologies, rare-earth-free magnets for wind power, catalysts for biomass conversion or water splitting for hydrogen generation, components in low-energy information technology and myriad other unmet needs.
This PhD project will tackle the synthesis in the laboratory of inorganic materials with unique structures that will expand our understanding of how atoms can be arranged in solids. The selection of experimental targets will be informed by artificial intelligence and computational assessment of candidates, working with a multidisciplinary team of researchers to maximise the rate of materials discovery. The resulting materials will be experimentally studied to assess their suitability in a range of applications, including targeting Li and Mg transport for advanced solid state battery materials. The student will thus both develop a strong materials synthesis, structural characterisation and measurement skillset, and the ability to work with colleagues across disciplines in a research team using state-of-the-art materials design methodology. The success of this approach is demonstrated in a range of papers (Science, 2024, 383, 739-745; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2022, 144, 22178-22192; Science, 2021, 373, 1017-1022).
Deadline : 31 August 2025
(36) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Discovery of Functional Inorganic Materials for Net Zero Applications using High-Throughput Synthesis
This project will use high-throughput solid state synthesis methods developed in the group (Hampson 2023) to accelerate the discovery of new functional inorganic (oxide) materials for applications towards net zero technologies e.g. ionic conductors, catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen production, transparent conductors. These high-throughput methods will be applied to a variety of materials functionalities depending on the interests of the student and emerging technologies from our industrial collaborators.
The project will involve the preparation of precursor slurries and solutions for dispensing and mixing on robotic platforms before reacting at high temperatures for characterisation on high-throughput powder X-ray diffractometers and other analytical techniques. The project will involve close collaboration with computational chemists to suggest compositional spaces to explore, to predict new structures and aid in the understanding of the properties of the new materials discovered in the arrays using tools developed in the multi-disciplinary EPSRC Programme Grant: “Digital Navigation of Chemical Space for Function” and the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design, that seek to develop a new approach to materials design and discovery, exploiting machine learning and symbolic artificial intelligence, demonstrated by the realisation of new functional inorganic materials. You will thus gain understanding of how the artificial intelligence methods developed in the team accelerate materials discovery, and be able to contribute to the development of these models, which are designed to incorporate human expertise.
Deadline : 31 December 2024
(37) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Developing Approaches to Surveillance for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Equine population
The aim of this project is to fill the existing gaps in surveillance of AMR in healthy horses to ensure representation from the general horse population, particularly focusing on commensal bacteria which can serve as reservoirs for resistance.
Project objectives include conducting and comparing the performance of several surveillance approaches to inform a strategy for the development of a representative national surveillance strategy for commensal AMR in the UK horse population. These will use a number of different data sources and populations of interest including structured sampling via veterinary visited horse populations, a citizen science approach for horse owner recruitment and targeted sampling of populations that might be hard to recruit or underrepresented. These different approaches will be compared to determine their success rate at both recruiting the desired populations, population coverage and feasibility as well as AMR prevalence. xFaeces would be the primary sample collected and commensal E. coli would be the primary sentinel bacterial agent, however we would also archive other Gram negative bacteria on selective media used to screen for AMR. Nasal swabs will also be collected isolation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Isolates will undergo antimicrobial susceptibility testing using microbroth dilution and whole genome sequencing to investigate the AMR genes and strains associated with antimicrobial resistance
Deadline : 3 December 2024
(38) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Designing and characterising complex fluids for advanced materials manufacturing using advanced imaging techniques, rheology and flow experiments.
The overarching aim of our research program is to bridge the gap between materials discovery and manufacturing through the design and understanding of the complex fluids needed in different manufacturing processes, for example in 3D printing. Within the wider umbrella of Additive Manufacturing or 3D printing techniques, direct ink writing (DIW) is an expanding multi-disciplinary research field with a growing number of applications, from energy devices to tissue engineering. DIW’s main strength is the versatility in advanced materials formulation; high added value materials can be processed through the careful design and characterisation of complex fluids for 3D printing and other manufacturing processes, such as coatings, extrusion or casting. These complex fluids must meet different criteria depending on the manufacturing process. For example, in 3D printing via direct ink writing (DIW) they must be extremely shear-thinning soft solids, able to flow through narrow nozzles; they also must recover their structure upon deposition and retain the predesigned 3D shape. Formulation design and rheology of these soft solids is critical, thus linking rheology and printability is a growing area of research amongst the DIW and rheology communities[1-3] and the core of our research in complex fluids.[4,5]
Deadline : 1 December 2024
(39) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Delivery Strategies in Phage Therapy: Balancing Host Responses and Th
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited genetic condition in the UK, affecting over 11,000 individuals. For people with CF (pwCF), protecting lung health throughout their lives is essential. Recent modulator therapies have brought significant improvements in quality of life for many with the condition. Nevertheless, chronic, drug-resistant respiratory infections remain a serious issue for pwCF across all age groups, and some people cannot use modulators.
Respiratory infections are a primary cause of illness and death in CF, with antibiotics widely used to manage these infections. However, over time, the efficacy of these drugs is diminished by growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as well as increasing toxicity and side effects. For some pwCF, treatment options are severely limited or even unavailable. This problem is part of a broader trend of rising global AMR, reducing effective therapeutic choices. The development pipeline for new antimicrobials is limited, even for priority pathogens identified by the World Health Organization, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The TRAILFINDER innovation hub is focused on translational innovation and is funded by the CF Trust and LifeArc as 1 of 4 hubs in the UK. The TRAILFINDER hub will address key challenges relevant to pwCF including access to the novel treatment, phage therapy.
Deadline : 25 November 2024
(40) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Automated solid state synthesis robotic workflow
The experimental discovery of new inorganic materials shows us how crystal structure and chemical composition control physical and chemical properties. It is therefore critical for our ability to design functional materials with the properties we will need for the next zero transition. The use of robotic methods can greatly accelerate the discovery of new materials and when combined with optimisation techniques can be run autonomously to identify new materials with properties of interest.
This project will develop and exemplify a robotic workflow to perform solid state chemistry reactions, consisting of an automated weighing and mixing stage, coupled with a high temperature furnace to perform the reactions. Automated powder diffraction will be integrated to identify new materials within the phase fields being explored. The student will work closely with colleagues in the group of Prof Andy Cooper who have pioneered the use of autonomous robotic chemical synthesis for functional materials discovery. The project builds on a high throughput synthetic workflows developed in the group using slurry (Chem. Sci. 15, 2640, 2024.) and solution based precursors.
Deadline : 31 August 2025
(41) PhD Degree -Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Analysis of the role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in methotrexate-induced liver toxicity
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) comprise approximately 50% of the non-parenchymal hepatic cells. They play a vital role in hepatic microcirculation and provide a physiological barrier to the movement of xenobiotics from the bloodstream to hepatic tissue. Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drug, used at a high dose to treat leukaemia, breast cancer, lung cancer and at a lower dose to manage a variety of autoimmune diseases. The most common adverse effects include hepatotoxicity and blood abnormalities with the mechanism of MTX-induced hepatotoxicity obscure. Our preliminary data from a rat model of MTX injury has shown that MTX can adversely affect liver endothelial cell physiology.
This project will utilise cryopreserved human LSECs to analyse the effect of MTX on endothelial cell physiology, intracellular signalling and gene expression. The project will also utilise a novel 3D multi-cellular liver microtissue composed of primary human hepatocytes, LSECs and human liver fibroblasts to allow analysis of MTX effects on multiple hepatic cells in a more physiologically relevant model.
Deadline : 29 November 2024
About The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England –Official Website
The University of Liverpool (abbreviated UOL; locally known as The Uni of) is a public research university in Liverpool, England. Founded as a college in 1881, it gained its Royal Charter in 1903 with the ability to award degrees, and is also known to be one of the six ‘red brick’ civic universities, the first to be referred to as The Original Red Brick. It comprises three faculties organised into 35 departments and schools. It is a founding member of the Russell Group, the N8 Group for research collaboration and the university management school is triple crown accredited.
Ten Nobel Prize winners are amongst its alumni and past faculty and the university offers more than 230 first degree courses across 103 subjects. Its alumni include the CEOs of GlobalFoundries, ARM Holdings, Tesco, Motorola and The Coca-Cola Company. It was the UK’s first university to establish departments in oceanography, civic design, architecture, and biochemistry (at the Johnston Laboratories). In 2006 the university became the first in the UK to establish an independent university in China, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, making it the world’s first Sino-British university. For 2021–22, Liverpool had a turnover of £612.6 million, including £113.6 million from research grants and contracts. It has the seventh-largest endowment of any university in England. Graduates of the university are styled with the post-nominal letters Lpool, to indicate the institution.
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