Queen's University Belfast School of Pharmacy is offering a fully-funded PhD opportunity to investigate the lung-gut axis in cystic fibrosis using advanced multi-omics approaches. The project is part of the PULSE-CF Innovation Hub, a collaborative initiative funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and LifeArc, involving Queen's University Belfast, University of Manchester, and University of Liverpool. The research aims to identify biomarkers and mechanistic pathways associated with pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis, focusing on the interplay between the lung and gut microbiomes, host responses, and metabolomic profiles. The successful candidate will employ comprehensive multi-omics analyses, including microbiome/metagenome, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, to elucidate molecular networks connecting the gut and lung. The project integrates longitudinal clinical, microbial, inflammatory, and metabolic datasets to uncover factors influencing exacerbation severity, recovery, and recurrence. Training will be provided in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics (R and Python), metabolomics, and data integration, supported by an interdisciplinary supervisory team led by Professor Michael Tunney. This research will contribute to the development of targeted interventions, such as microbiome-modulating therapies and metabolomics-guided treatments, aiming to reduce the frequency and severity of pulmonary exacerbations and improve clinical outcomes for individuals with cystic fibrosis. The PhD student will be encouraged to participate in outreach activities, including public talks, science communication, and presenting at conferences. The studentship is fully funded for 3 years, covering tuition fees and an annual stipend at the DfE UK home rate. UK and Republic of Ireland students are automatically considered for funding, while a limited number of competitive international studentships may be available. Applicants must hold or expect to hold a first or upper second class honours degree in pharmacy, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, microbiology, or a related discipline, and demonstrate interest or experience in relevant research areas. Application deadline is 8 December 2025, with interviews scheduled for February 2026. For more information, contact Professor Michael Tunney at [email protected] or visit the School of Pharmacy website. Apply online via the Queen's University Belfast portal and indicate interest in DfE support if applicable.

Queen's University Belfast School of Pharmacy is offering a fully-funded PhD position as part of a major collaboration between the CF Trust and LifeArc, focusing on the investigation of polymicrobial communities in cystic fibrosis (CF) airways and their role in pulmonary exacerbations. The project, supervised by Professor Michael Tunney, aims to understand the mechanisms that trigger pulmonary exacerbations in CF, a significant and burdensome aspect of the disease. The research will involve studying the interactions between known pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and commensal bacteria cultured from airway samples, using advanced microbiological and molecular techniques including RT-PCR, Illumina sequencing, tissue culture, clinical studies, molecular diagnostics, and mass spectrometry. The successful candidate will join the PULSE-CF Innovation Hub, a multi-centre, multi-disciplinary initiative involving Queen's University Belfast, University of Manchester, and University of Liverpool. The Hub is dedicated to translational research aimed at improving the prediction and prevention of CF exacerbations and developing new therapeutics. The PhD student will receive extensive training in both conventional and cutting-edge laboratory methods, and will be encouraged to participate in impact activities such as public talks, school visits, conference presentations, and publication of research findings. The School of Pharmacy at Queen's University Belfast is internationally recognized for its research excellence in pharmaceutical sciences, infection and antimicrobial resistance, drug delivery, nanomedicine, and healthcare optimization. The School provides world-class facilities and a supportive postgraduate community, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development. Funding for this position is provided by the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy (DfE), covering both stipend and tuition fees for three years. The opportunity is open to UK, Republic of Ireland, and EU students. Applicants should have a strong academic background in pharmacy, biomedical sciences, microbiology, or a related discipline, with experience in relevant laboratory techniques considered advantageous. The application deadline is 8 December 2025, with the project commencing on 1 October 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the application portal or contact Professor Michael Tunney at [email protected] .

The School of Pharmacy at Queen's University Belfast is offering a range of fully funded PhD opportunities in cutting-edge areas of pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical research. Projects span cancer nanotherapy, cystic fibrosis gene therapy, CAR-T immunotherapy, musculoskeletal injury diagnostics, and multi-omics approaches to pulmonary disease. Supervisors include Professor Jonathan Coulter (nanoparticle radiosensitisation in prostate cancer), Professor Lorraine Martin (regenerative gene therapy for cystic fibrosis), Professor Helen McCarthy (AI-driven diagnostics for musculoskeletal injuries), Dr Emma McErlean (in vivo CAR-T engineering for leukaemia), and Professor Michael Tunney (multi-omics of cystic fibrosis exacerbations). These projects offer comprehensive training in molecular and cell biology, nanomedicine, bioinformatics, protein engineering, and translational science, with opportunities for industrial placements and interdisciplinary collaboration. Funding covers tuition and stipend, with support from DfE, CF Trust, LifeArc, and industry partners. Applicants should have a strong academic background in pharmacy, biomedical sciences, chemistry, or related fields, and may need to demonstrate English proficiency. Application deadlines vary by project, with the earliest closing on December 8, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the School of Pharmacy's funded PhD opportunities page. This is an excellent chance to join world-class research teams and advance your career in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences.