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Queen's University Belfast

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PhD in Engineering Bioactive Peptides for Vaginal Microbiome Restoration and Sustained Vaginal Delivery Queen's University Belfast in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Funded PhD under the NorthWestBio DTP. The page states the project is funded and refers applicants to the NorthWestBio funding information page for details. Full-time study for 4 years is specified; no stipend amount is given in the post.

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Country

United Kingdom

University

Queen's University Belfast

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Keywords

Chemistry
Microbiology
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Medical Science
Pharmacy

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About this position

PhD opportunity at Queen's University Belfast in Engineering Bioactive Peptides for Vaginal Microbiome Restoration and Sustained Vaginal Delivery.

This funded PhD sits in the School of Biological Sciences and is supported by the NorthWestBio DTP. The project investigates how engineered bioactive peptides can selectively shift disrupted vaginal microbiome models toward a more protective state, with a focus on vaginal microbiome, bioactive peptides, biofilm science, microbiology, epithelial systems, and vaginal delivery.

The student will build defined in vitro microbiome models, screen and optimise peptide candidates, study how peptide sequence and physicochemical properties affect microbial selectivity and biofilm behaviour, and test selected Bdellovibrio-derived bioactives alone and in combination with lead peptides. Promising approaches will be validated in vaginal epithelial models and assessed for compatibility with local vaginal delivery.

Training includes peptide design and synthesis, analytical characterisation, microbiology, biofilm science, vaginal microbiome models, epithelial systems, and data analysis. The CASE partnership with B.Y.M. Technologies/P.Happi includes an industry placement and exposure to candidate prioritisation, formulation constraints, local delivery, commercial decision-making, and intellectual property awareness.

Eligibility / application: candidates must not apply directly to Queen's. Instead, follow the NorthWestBio application process via the linked Glasgow page. The page lists separate application timelines for international and home candidates. Full-time study is for 4 years.

Funding: funded project; no stipend amount is stated on the page, but funding details are provided via the NorthWestBio DTP funding information link.

Funding details

Funded PhD under the NorthWestBio DTP. The page states the project is funded and refers applicants to the NorthWestBio funding information page for details. Full-time study for 4 years is specified; no stipend amount is given in the post.

What's required

Applicants should follow the NorthWestBio DTP application process rather than applying directly to Queen's University Belfast. The project is full-time for 4 years and is suitable for candidates interested in peptide design and synthesis, analytical characterisation, microbiology, biofilm science, vaginal microbiome models, epithelial systems, and data analysis. The post notes an industry placement through the CASE partnership and implies the candidate should be able to engage with formulation constraints, local delivery, commercial decision-making, and intellectual property awareness.

How to apply

Do not apply directly to Queen's University Belfast. Follow the NorthWestBio DTP application process at the linked Glasgow page. Check the funding page for eligibility and funding details, then submit your application within the stated international or home candidate timelines.

More information can be found here

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