Swansea University PhD Scholarship 2024

Swansea University is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship under the EPSRC and Swansea University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. This prestigious scholarship focuses on “Patchy Sweet Bullets Against Bacteria,” an interdisciplinary project at the intersection of polymer and glyco chemistry, biomaterials, and antimicrobials.

Subject Areas

• Polymer and Glyco Chemistry
• Biomaterials
• Antimicrobials

Scholarship Project Description

The PhD project aims to address the challenge of bacterial adhesion to different surfaces, a key factor in infections, even among bacteria lacking adhesive lectins. The objective is to engineer heterogeneous glycosystems with patchy attributes that can selectively target diverse bacterial populations.

Key Components:

1. Engineering Patchy Glycosystems: Utilizing polymer and glycochemistry to create systems with heterogeneous attributes.
2. Characterization: Employing advanced techniques like SEM, AFM, and TEM in Swansea University’s state-of-the-art laboratories.
3. Efficacy Assessment: Testing the engineered glycosystems against various bacterial strains at the Institute of Life Sciences.

Supervisory Team

• Dr. Bhatia: Expert in Chemistry
• Dr. Loveridge: Specialist in Natural Products
• Professor Wilkinson: Authority in Microbiology

The interdisciplinary supervisory team will provide comprehensive training to ensure the successful candidate gains expertise across multiple fields.

Eligibility Criteria

• Academic Requirements:
  • A UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in chemistry or a related subject, or an equivalent overseas degree as recognized by UK ECCTIS.
  • Alternatively, a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ in chemistry or a related subject (or equivalent).
• English Language Proficiency: Evidence may be required to demonstrate proficiency.
• Residency and Fee Status:
  • Open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate, as per UKCISA regulations.

Funding Information

The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Annual stipend of £19,237
• Additional research expenses

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply by 19th June 2024. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and prepare the necessary documentation, including proof of academic qualifications and English language proficiency.

1. Submit application form here: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DHQ608/fully-funded-epsrc-and-swansea-phd-scholarship-patchy-sweet-bullets-against-bacteria
2. Prepare your academic transcripts, CV, and any required evidence of English proficiency.
3. Wait for final result announcement.