A fully funded 3-year PhD studentship is available for drug discovery research on Host Defence Peptides (HDPs) at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU). This multidisciplinary project is a collaboration between the School of Applied Sciences (SAS) at ENU and the School of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.HDPs, including defensins and cathelicidins, are crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. They have antimicrobial properties and influence the composition of the microorganisms in the gut. These peptides are essential components of the body's natural immune system. Research has linked HDPs to the development of inflammatory bowel disease, highlighting their significant role in both health and disease. As a result, HDPs are considered potential targets for new therapies aimed at conditions involving microbes, inflammation, or the immune system.Several challenges must be addressed before exogenous HDP can be used safely and effectively as treatment, especially for oral administration. The primary challenge is maintaining their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity in the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This project aims to develop self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDs), that form spontaneously from a mix of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant to enhance the stability and activity of HDPs in the GI tract.If successful, you will join a dynamic research group within SAS. The group has state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced chromatographic platforms based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with UV and mass spectrometry. These platforms are essential for studying the release of active ingredients from nano-formulations and for characterising the lipophilicity of these molecules and their interactions with biological membranes.You will also be a member of ENU Graduate College. Throughout your studies, you will receive support, training, and access to events hosted by our local SAS team and our Research, Innovation, and Enterprise events team. Tailored training will aid in the development of your research and transferable skills. You will become a part of a vibrant and growing community of postgraduate research students within the university, with access to workspace and social areas in our recently renovated researcher community suite.When applying (PhD APPLIED SCIENCES full-time), please quote the application reference SASXXXX on your form. Academic qualificationsA first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Analytical Chemistry / Pharmaceutical Chemistry / Material Science with a good fundamental knowledge of  peptide chemistry and formulation. English language requirementIELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online. Essential attributes:·        Experience of fundamental pharmaceutical formulation and analytical chemistry ·        Competent in generation and analysis of laboratory data and statistics·        Knowledge of (nano) material sciences·        Good written and oral communication skills ·        Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project·        Good time managementDesirable attributes: Experience of polymer chemistry and separation techniquesExperience of liquid chromatography method development, sample preparation and pharmaceutical dosage form designExperience of mammalian cell culture and cell viability assays TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK ON THE 'INSTITUTION WEBSITE' LINK ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE. When applying, please quote the application reference SAS0208 on your form.? APPLICATION CHECKLIST ·        Completed application form ·        CV ·        2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page) ·        A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of ·        What you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.) ·        Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)