Overview
Joint Industrial and EPSRC-funded PhD studentship in the Synthesis and Processing of Novel Biomaterials, in partnership with Haleon, hosted by the University of Nottingham. Start date late 2025 / early 2026. The project focuses on the synthesis of polymers that resist biofilm formation and the development of processes to formulate these materials into new health/consumer care products (e.g., oral/skin health products). It will extend University of Nottingham patented polymer technologies that deliver anti-attachment performance without active biocides. The work aims to enable transfer of these biomaterials into formulation processing for novel demonstrator health/consumer care products and operates in close collaboration with the industrial partner Haleon.
The project includes potential research placements of up to one month in Haleon laboratories.
Responsibilities
* Conduct research on synthesis of polymeric molecules and development of routes toward larger-scale processing.
* Collaborate with Haleon on formulation development and industrial translation of results.
* Work toward delivering materials at hundreds of gram scale and demonstrate potential applications in health/consumer care products.
* Engage in project planning, data analysis, and reporting in coordination with supervisory team.
Qualifications
* Applicants should have, or be expected to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related subject.
* An MChem/MSci-4-year integrated Masters, a BSc + MSc, or a BSc with substantial research experience will be highly advantageous.
* Experience in organic/polymer synthesis and/or material analysis is beneficial.
* EU applicants who can confirm UK residency for at least three years before October 2025 may be eligible for a full award.
* English language: if not a native speaker, provide evidence of meeting University minimum English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each element).
Funding and Duration
* The studentships are fully funded for 48 months.
* An enhanced stipend of £22,237 per annum; tuition fees paid at UK rate. International students must pay the difference between UK and international fees.
Supervisory Team
Supervisors: Prof. Derek Irvine, Dr Adam Dundas, Prof. Morgan Alexander
Location
University of Nottingham, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and School of Pharmacy, UK.
How to Apply
To apply, please contact informally with derek.irvine@nottingham.ac.uk or Adam.dundas1@nottingham.ac.uk, after which a formal application must be made via the University website. Include your CV and quote “Haleon Studentship” in the personal statement. Online application form: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx
Closing Date
Saturday 18 October 2025. Applications are invited for a late 2025 / early 2026 start; positions will be filled as soon as possible thereafter, so apply soon.
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