Fully funded PhD Studentship in the Formulation of Mesalazine in Nanocarriers for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (RS838)

PhD @Swansea University posted 3 days ago

Job Description

Project Description:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory illness that causes ongoing bodily inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It has been reported that one in every 123 people in the UK has a diagnosis of IBD. Over and above that, SAIL Databank at Swansea University has discovered that over 50% more people in Wales have IBD than previously recognised.

Current mesalazine formulations to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), including tablets, suppositories, and enemas, are typically associated with adverse systemic effects. Nevertheless, the innovative encapsulation of mesalazine in nanocarriers has demonstrated success in targeting inflammatory regions and treating mild to moderate IBD.

This project will investigate the use of polymeric nanocarriers for improving the overall solubility, absorption, and bioavailability of mesalazine while minimising the side effects associated with its absorption. With a formulation created from mesalazine-loaded nanocarriers, the expected outcome is improved local targeting and pharmacokinetics of the loaded mesalazine. The research aims to provide an alternative formulation to support the quality of life of IBD patients.

This three-year studentship will be hosted within the Pharmacy programme (Grove Building, Singleton Campus), in collaboration with the Centre for Nanohealth (the Institute of Life Science 2, Singleton Campus), both in the Medical School of Swansea University. The successful student will be supported by members of the research team and existing industrial, academic and clinician collaborations.

This studentship will be multi-disciplinary, working across research strengths in nanoparticle formulations and in vitro approaches. An enthusiastic graduate with interest and/or experience in the areas of nanoparticles, drug formulations, gastrointestinal disorders and cell models, is highly desired.

Eligibility

Scholarship open to UK fee eligible students only

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA (Full list of categories for HE in Wales)

PhD: Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree. Alternatively, applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) not holding a master’s degree, will be considered on an individual basis. See – Country Specific Entry Requirements page.

English Language
IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk  with the web-link to the scholarship you’re interested in.

Funding

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the entire application form:

In order to be considered for this scholarship award the following steps are also required.

1) In section ‘Programme Related Information’ please input the relevant RS Code for the scholarship award i.e. RS838

2) In section ‘Research’ you will see ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’* (Mandatory)

In ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ please input:

the RS Code RS838
the scholarship title

Please leave ‘Proposed Supervisor field’ blank
Please leave ‘Research Project’ (if applicable) blank
In ‘Do you have a proposal to upload?*’(Mandatory) Please select Yes
Then upload copy of advert (you can save the advert by clicking print, and then print to pdf)

3) In section ‘Funding information’ please choose the option ‘Scholarship Funding’ only. Please ensure no other options are selected.

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD – to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)

A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.

One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.

Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).

Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)

Confirmation of EDI form submission

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Zi Hong Mok z.h.mok@swansea.ac.uk

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable.