Cell and Vector Engineering for Production of Next-generation Biopharmaceuticals
Not stated
- Funding
- Self-Funded PhD Students Only
- Application deadline
- Year-round applications
About the project
About the Project Biopharmaceuticals offer the most promising pathway to treatments for diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s and autoimmune disorders. However, the production of ‘next-generation’ products, such as trispecific antibodies, is typically associated with low yields and poor quality. A key reason for the poor performance of these biomanufacturing processes is the suboptimal function of the input biological components, namely the host cell, DNA expression vector and culture media. Prof. Adam Brown’s lab is developing a range of technologies to improve these processes, including genetically engineered mammalian cells, novel media additives and synthetic vector elements (e.g. inducible promoters, UTRs, etc.). The lab has close ties with global biopharmaceutical companies and a strong track record of commercialising new technologies, e.g. SynGenSys and Silvia Bio. There are a range of opportunities available to work on engineering novel biological components that have a real-world impact in enabling better drugs to reach patients faster. Utilizing world-leading bio component engineering platforms, students will use a range of techniques including bioinformatic analyses, data modelling, high-throughput robotics-led testing, molecular biology and mammalian cell culture. The end result of the project will be novel biological parts that can be incorporated into biopharmaceutical manufacturing platforms. This is an excellent opportunity for a postgraduate student to work on a synthetic biology project with direct bioindustrial application. Students will join an active research group with extensive industry-links, working at the cutting edge of biopharmaceutical development, design and manufacture. Working in our molecular biology, bioanalytical, and cell culture laboratories, equipped with up-to-date industrially-relevant technologies/equipment, students will obtain skills and capabilities that are in high-demand in both academia and the biopharmaceutical/biotechnology industry. Interested candidates should contact Prof Adam Brown to discuss further project details ( Adam.brown@sheffield.ac.uk ) English language If English is not your first language then you must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) average of 6.5 or above with at least 6.0 in each component, or equivalent qualification. Please see our guidance page for further information on what language qualifications can accept. How to apply: Candidates will have (or expect to obtain) a first or upper second class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering or chemical engineering (with a biology-based specialism). Information on how to apply and how to access our application portal can be found on this page. Please include the name of your proposed supervisor and the title of the PhD project within your application.