Funded Opportunities

On this page, you'll be able to find fully-funded postgraduate research opportunities currently available here at the School of Pharmacy. To learn more about these studentships, including relevant terms and conditions, application deadlines, and how to apply, view their entries below.

Nanoparticles interacting with a cell membrane

PROFESSOR JONATHAN COULTER

SPARTAN: Sequencing Prostate Androgen-Receptor Therapy with Nanoparticles

This PhD project explores how androgen-receptor (AR) signaling influences the effectiveness of radiotherapy in prostate cancer, with a focus on overcoming treatment resistance. Building on our group’s development of prostate cancer–targeted high-Z nanoparticles designed to enhance tumour radiosensitivity, the study will investigate how AR signaling and DNA damage repair pathways interact with these novel formulations to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Current prostate cancer treatments typically combine androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiotherapy (RT), but emerging evidence suggests that altering the timing of ADT could improve patient survival. This project will assess how AR signaling modulates the response to our nanoparticle-based radiosensitisers across prostate cancer models, examining gene expression, treatment sequencing, and therapeutic resistance both in vitro and in vivo.

The successful PhD candidate will join an international, well-funded nanotherapeutics research group and receive comprehensive training in pre-clinical laboratory techniques, research dissemination, and translational science. Opportunities for professional development include conference presentation, engagement with clinicians and patients, and exploration of commercialisation pathways.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30th January 2026

ANTICIPATED START DATE: 1st October 2026

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PROFESSOR MICHAEL TUNNEY

Decoding the Lung–Gut Axis: Multi-Omics Insights into Cystic Fibrosis Exacerbations

This PhD project is part of the PULSE CF Innovation Hub, a major new Cystic Fibrosis Trust and LifeArc–funded collaboration between the Universities of Manchester, Liverpool, and Queen’s University Belfast. The project aims to unravel the biological drivers of pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in cystic fibrosis using a comprehensive multi-omics approach. By examining the lung and gut microbiomes, host responses, and metabolic pathways, the research will explore how microbial and host interactions across the lung–gut axis contribute to the onset and progression of these clinically significant events.

Pulmonary exacerbations are one of the most burdensome complications of cystic fibrosis, yet the mechanisms that trigger and sustain them remain poorly understood. This PhD will integrate longitudinal clinical, microbial, immunological, and metabolic datasets to identify key biomarkers and molecular networks linked to exacerbation severity, recovery, and risk of recurrence. The student will receive extensive training in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics (R/Python), metabolomics, and multi-omics data integration, working closely with an interdisciplinary supervisory team across three leading universities.

In addition to developing advanced research skills, the successful applicant will take part in a broad range of impact activities, including public engagement, science communication, and national and international conference presentations. The studentship is fully funded for three years at the DfE UK home rate, with additional competitive opportunities available through the School’s DfE-funded studentship allocation. Applications must be submitted before the 8th of December 2025.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 8th December 2026

ANTICIPATED START DATE: 1st October 2026

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PROFESSOR MICHAEL TUNNEY

PULSE-CF: Polymicrobial Communities in the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Airways - Role in Infection and Pulmonary Exacerbations

This PhD project forms part of the PULSE-CF Innovation Hub, a major CF Trust and LifeArc–funded collaboration between the Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Queen’s University Belfast. The research will investigate how interactions between pathogenic and commensal bacteria within the cystic fibrosis airway contribute to the onset of pulmonary exacerbations — one of the most significant and poorly understood challenges faced by people with CF.

Although individuals with CF harbour complex polymicrobial communities in their lungs, the specific roles that different bacteria play in triggering infection and exacerbation remain unclear. This project will examine how key pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa interact with commensal bacteria cultured from clinical airway samples, helping to define how microbial dynamics influence exacerbation risk. The student will receive comprehensive training in microbiology, molecular techniques (including RT-PCR and Illumina sequencing), tissue culture, mass spectrometry, molecular diagnostics, and clinical research methods within internationally recognised research teams.

Alongside laboratory and analytical training, the PhD candidate will be supported to take part in a wide range of impact and outreach activities, including public talks, science communication, QUB showcase events, conference presentations, and publication in peer-reviewed journals. The findings from this project will provide an evidence base for developing future therapeutics aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of pulmonary exacerbations in people with CF.

Applications must be submitted before the 8th of December 2025.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 8th December 2026

ANTICIPATED START DATE: 1st October 2026

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