PhD Studentship: High-Throughput Optimisation of Non-Viral Delivery Systems for Mucosal mRNA Vaccines Against Pathogenic Bacteria
University College London (UCL)
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Posted
Dec 05, 2025
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## PhD Studentship: High-Throughput Optimisation of Non-Viral Delivery Systems for Mucosal mRNA Vaccines Against Pathogenic Bacteria
##
UCL
**
- London Centre for Nanotechnology
Qualification Type:
PhD
Location:
London
Funding for:
UK Students, EU Students, International Students
Funding amount:
Stipend at UKRI rate
Hours:
Full Time
Placed On:
26th November 2025
Closes:
12th January 2026
Reference:
CDT-AMR 2026 010
**Supervisors:**
**Dr Julia Rho**** – ****Rho Group Website******
**Dr Pratik Gurnani**** **
**Abstract:**
Vaccines are a cornerstone of infectious disease prevention and a key strategy in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While mRNA vaccines have demonstrated rapid development and high efficacy, current formulations primarily protect against severe disease rather than preventing infection at mucosal entry points. This project aims to develop novel polymer-based nanoparticles for the non-viral delivery of mRNA vaccines directly to mucosal tissues, such as the respiratory tract. By leveraging high-throughput automated synthesis and formulation platforms, the project will generate and screen a diverse library of polymers optimised for mucosal delivery. The resulting delivery systems could enable next-generation vaccines that block infection at its source, with broad applicability to respiratory pathogens, including drug-resistant bacteria.
**Approach and Methods:**
• Use automated synthesis platforms to generate a high-throughput library of polymer candidates with varied physicochemical properties (charge, size, structure, biodegradability)
• Formulate polymer–mRNA nanoparticles and characterise their size, stability, and mucus-penetrating capabilities
• Evaluate delivery efficiency in cell-based models mimicking lung and immune tissues
• Identify structure–function relationships to inform rational design of future mucosal delivery systems
**Impact and Outlook:**
This project will establish a platform for the rapid development of non-viral mRNA delivery systems tailored for mucosal vaccination. The outcomes could significantly advance the field of respiratory vaccine development, enabling faster responses to emerging pathogens and reducing reliance on antibiotics through effective infection prevention.
**Training and Student Development:**
The student will gain interdisciplinary training in:
• Polymer and nanoparticle synthesis
• Laboratory automation and high-throughput screening
• Advanced characterisation techniques (e.g. DLS, TEM, UV-Vis, XRD)
• Cell culture and in vitro models of mucosal immunity
• Data analysis using Python and digital image processing
These skills are highly transferable to careers in biomedical research, pharmaceutical development, and biotechnology.
**Research Environment:**
The project is a collaboration between UCL Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Chemical Engineering departments. Students will work across multiple labs, benefiting from a multidisciplinary environment and access to cutting-edge facilities at UCL and the Royal Institution. The supervisory team offers strong mentorship and professional development opportunities, including support for publishing, conference participation, and career planning.
**Desirable Prior Experience:**
• Background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, or materials science
• Experience with nanoparticle formulation, polymer chemistry, or cell culture is advantageous
• Interest in vaccine delivery, AMR, and translational biomedical research
**How to apply**
This project is offered as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance. Further details about the CDT and programme can be found at AMR CDT webiste
Applications should be submitted by 12th January 2026.
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## More PhDs from UCL
G-Research UCL PhD Scholarship – AI systems - Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Two PhD studentships in Computational Physics and Chemistry
PhD Studentship: Transforming Antimicrobial Peptides into Medicines via AI-Empowered High-Throughput Nanoparticle Synthesis Platforms
PhD Studentship: Mapping Phage Diversity through Population-Scale Metagenomics in the Hunt for Novel Antimicrobials
PhD Studentship: Synergistic Efficacy of a Monoclonal Antibody Therapy with Colistin Against AMR Acinetobacter baumannii
PhD Studentship: Engineering Real-World Surfaces to Control the Acquisition of Antimicrobial Resistance
Show all PhDs for this organisation …
## More PhDs like this
PhD Studentship: Non-coding RNAs...
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## PhD Studentship: High-Throughput Optimisation of Non-Viral Delivery Systems for Mucosal mRNA Vaccines Against Pathogenic Bacteria
##
UCL
**
- London Centre for Nanotechnology
Qualification Type:
PhD
Location:
London
Funding for:
UK Students, EU Students, International Students
Funding amount:
Stipend at UKRI rate
Hours:
Full Time
Placed On:
26th November 2025
Closes:
12th January 2026
Reference:
CDT-AMR 2026 010
**Supervisors:**
**Dr Julia Rho**** – ****Rho Group Website******
**Dr Pratik Gurnani**** **
**Abstract:**
Vaccines are a cornerstone of infectious disease prevention and a key strategy in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While mRNA vaccines have demonstrated rapid development and high efficacy, current formulations primarily protect against severe disease rather than preventing infection at mucosal entry points. This project aims to develop novel polymer-based nanoparticles for the non-viral delivery of mRNA vaccines directly to mucosal tissues, such as the respiratory tract. By leveraging high-throughput automated synthesis and formulation platforms, the project will generate and screen a diverse library of polymers optimised for mucosal delivery. The resulting delivery systems could enable next-generation vaccines that block infection at its source, with broad applicability to respiratory pathogens, including drug-resistant bacteria.
**Approach and Methods:**
• Use automated synthesis platforms to generate a high-throughput library of polymer candidates with varied physicochemical properties (charge, size, structure, biodegradability)
• Formulate polymer–mRNA nanoparticles and characterise their size, stability, and mucus-penetrating capabilities
• Evaluate delivery efficiency in cell-based models mimicking lung and immune tissues
• Identify structure–function relationships to inform rational design of future mucosal delivery systems
**Impact and Outlook:**
This project will establish a platform for the rapid development of non-viral mRNA delivery systems tailored for mucosal vaccination. The outcomes could significantly advance the field of respiratory vaccine development, enabling faster responses to emerging pathogens and reducing reliance on antibiotics through effective infection prevention.
**Training and Student Development:**
The student will gain interdisciplinary training in:
• Polymer and nanoparticle synthesis
• Laboratory automation and high-throughput screening
• Advanced characterisation techniques (e.g. DLS, TEM, UV-Vis, XRD)
• Cell culture and in vitro models of mucosal immunity
• Data analysis using Python and digital image processing
These skills are highly transferable to careers in biomedical research, pharmaceutical development, and biotechnology.
**Research Environment:**
The project is a collaboration between UCL Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Chemical Engineering departments. Students will work across multiple labs, benefiting from a multidisciplinary environment and access to cutting-edge facilities at UCL and the Royal Institution. The supervisory team offers strong mentorship and professional development opportunities, including support for publishing, conference participation, and career planning.
**Desirable Prior Experience:**
• Background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, or materials science
• Experience with nanoparticle formulation, polymer chemistry, or cell culture is advantageous
• Interest in vaccine delivery, AMR, and translational biomedical research
**How to apply**
This project is offered as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance. Further details about the CDT and programme can be found at AMR CDT webiste
Applications should be submitted by 12th January 2026.
**Share on social media**
We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts.
If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert,
or its categorisation then please
send us your feedback
## Advert information
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**Location(s):**
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## Create PhD Alert
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When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice
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## More PhDs from UCL
G-Research UCL PhD Scholarship – AI systems - Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Two PhD studentships in Computational Physics and Chemistry
PhD Studentship: Transforming Antimicrobial Peptides into Medicines via AI-Empowered High-Throughput Nanoparticle Synthesis Platforms
PhD Studentship: Mapping Phage Diversity through Population-Scale Metagenomics in the Hunt for Novel Antimicrobials
PhD Studentship: Synergistic Efficacy of a Monoclonal Antibody Therapy with Colistin Against AMR Acinetobacter baumannii
PhD Studentship: Engineering Real-World Surfaces to Control the Acquisition of Antimicrobial Resistance
Show all PhDs for this organisation …
## More PhDs like this
PhD Studentship: Non-coding RNAs...