Meritxell Canals

Drug-related deaths in the UK have reached record highs, with opioid drugs such as fentanyl implicated in the majority of cases. Despite its widespread impact, the pharmacology of fentanyl and the mechanisms underlying its potent adverse effects remain poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that fentanyl's ability to partition into cell membranes may play a critical role in its extreme potency and harmful effects compared to other opioids. This fully funded PhD project at the University of Nottingham's School of Life Sciences offers the opportunity to investigate the pharmacology of fentanyl using a multidisciplinary approach that combines cell biology, pharmacology, and biophysical techniques. The successful candidate will explore how plasma membrane deposition influences fentanyl's pharmacological profile and will design strategies to mitigate its harm. The project will involve advanced methods such as single molecule microscopy, protein-lipid interaction studies, and neutron reflectometry, drawing on expertise from a collaborative supervisory team. The supervisory team includes Professor Meritxell Canals (University of Nottingham), Dr. Dylan Owen, and Dr. Luke Clifton (University of Birmingham), whose research spans membrane biology, pharmacology, and biophysical analysis. The project is supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and provides a comprehensive studentship package: 4 years of funding covering stipend, tuition fees (home and international rates), laptop allowance, research training and support grant (£5,000 per annum), and travel allowance (£300 per annum). Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, neuroscience, or related fields. Applications are welcome from home, EU, and international candidates, though international recruitment is capped at 30% of the cohort due to funding stipulations. The application deadline is 12:00 pm GMT on January 9, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the MRC AIM website. Project enquiries can be directed to Professor Meritxell Canals at [email protected]. This project is ideal for students interested in cutting-edge research at the intersection of cell biology, pharmacology, and biophysics, with the potential to contribute to harm reduction strategies for opioid drugs. References supporting the scientific background of the project are provided in the position listing.