Development of Novel Pulmonary Biotherapeutics for Chronic Inflammatory Airway Diseases: Integrating PBPK Modelling for Formulation Optimisation

We are offering a funded PhD position for a highly motivated and talented candidate to join an innovative research project focused on the development of novel pulmonary biotherapeutics for chronic inflammatory airway diseases, such as asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. This project will apply physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling to optimise the formulation and delivery of biotherapeutics to the lungs.

The PhD candidate will have the unique opportunity to work across two prestigious research labs. Develop and apply PBPK models to simulate drug delivery and optimise formulation parameters in Dr. Jamie Chien-Ming Hsieh’s lab (c.hsieh@kent.ac.uk) at the University of Kent. Formulate and optimize biotherapeutics for pulmonary delivery in collaboration with Dr. Jenny Lam’s lab (jenny.lam@ucl.ac.uk) at University College London. This includes developing advanced inhalable formulations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, or dry powder inhalers tailored for lung delivery. The project offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining pharmaceutical sciences, computational modelling, and pulmonary disease biology, with a strong potential for clinical translation.

This project integrates physicochemical properties and release kinetics of the biotherapeutic into PBPK models to predict the drug’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME). The model will be used to optimise key formulation parameters for effective pulmonary delivery. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge research at the intersection of biotherapeutics and computational modelling, with the potential to significantly impact the treatment of chronic airway diseases. We encourage motivated candidates with a passion for innovation in drug development to apply.

Requirements:

• You must have an MPharm or MSc degree (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) in an area pertinent to the subject area, i.e. Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmacy, Chemistry or biomedical science and biological science.

Applications must include the following:

• Full CV, with a list of any significant course projects and/or industrial experience.
• A 2-page research statement indicating what you see are interesting research issues relating to the above PhD topic description and why your expertise is relevant.
• Academic transcripts/grades A copy of publications of the applicant (if any).

Funding Notes:

Funded PhD Programme (Home Students only).

This is school funded position with UKRI stipend. The studentship offers a competitive stipend of £1,600 per month in addition to £1000 bench fees allowance per annum. 

A funded PhD studentship is available for UK and International students to apply. Candidates who are not “Home” will be required to pay the fee difference.

Enquiries:

Dr. Jamie Chien-Ming Hsieh; c.hsieh@kent.ac.uk