Queen's University Belfast

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Investigating Non-thermal ‘Cold’ Plasmas for Enhancing the Delivery and Efficacy of Antibiotics and Complex molecules to biofilms of clinically relevant bacteria

• Investigating Non-thermal ‘Cold’ Plasmas for Enhancing the Delivery and Efficacy of Antibiotics and Complex molecules to biofilms of clinically relevant bacteria: School of Pharmacy | PHD Applications are now CLOSED
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Overview

Biofilms, complex multi-species consortia of microorganisms existing either as surface attached communities or non-surface-attached aggregates, are characterised by significantly elevated tolerance to antimicrobial challenges and often an inability to adequately treat the infection with conventional antibiotics. Biofilms are implicated in many chronic, recurrent and persistent infections including infections, including those associated with indwelling medical devices and prostheses. Moreover, the diverse nature of the tissues interfacing with the biofilm in vivo complicate bacterial eradication, making current treatments prolonged, expensive and often resulting in significant morbidity, mortality and cost. Such ineffective use of antibiotics also contributes to the evolution of antibiotic resistance. To address this serious issue, this PhD aims to investigate non-thermal, atmospheric pressure plasma, also referred to as ‘cold plasma’ as a novel biofilm control biocidal approach. Non thermal or ‘cold’ plasma is an energised, wholly or partially ionised gas which generates a rich, focally concentrated and diverse mixture of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species which are generated at or near ambient temperatures and pressures. The ability to generate plasma at tissue-tolerable temperatures has given rise to an entire field of research known as Plasma Medicine which aims to translate fundamental cold plasma biophysics to the clinic. The dynamic and diverse array of reactive oxygen species, ROS, and reactive nitrogen species, RNS, generated in a cold plasma have a wide range of biological effects, including antimicrobial activity. In addition, generation of plasma through electrical breakdown of a gas, also gives rise to electric fields which have several biological effects (the ‘bioelectric effect’) including poration of the target cell membrane. Recently, work in our laboratory has shown that short, sub-lethal cold plasma exposures facilitate the delivery of large therapeutic molecules into the biofilm, and across cell membranes, and results in significantly enhanced activity of antibiotics in eradication of biofilms. In the project we will investigate cold plasma exposure as a means to enhance drug delivery both to the biofilm (we have recently shown short cold plasma exposures synergise with antibiotics to eradicate biofilms at low antibiotic concentrations) and intracellularly for the treatment on intracellular infection via a novel process call ‘plasmaporation’. Using multi-omic approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics), cold plasma biophysics and microbiology/biofilm microbiology, this lab-based project will focus on investigating the potential application of cold plasma in antibiotic synergy and in enhancing drug delivery to bacterial and eukaryotic cells. The successful candidate will join a dynamic biofilm research group focused understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation and antimicrobial tolerance, and developing novel approaches to their detection and control. The project will combine ongoing research into the potential microbiological applications of non-thermal (cold) plasma in delivery of drugs to biofilm and tissue, employing planktonic and biofilm culture models and biofilm antibiotic susceptibility assays alongside molecular biology (PCR, next generation sequencing) and transcriptomics/proteomics.

You will receive training in culture-dependent microbiology, antimicrobial screening/susceptibility testing , biofilm model development and biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility assays, non-thermal plasma physics, assessment of non thermal plasma for antimicrobial efficacy (including time-kill studies), mechanism of action studies (membrane permeabilisation, polarisation, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species determination), analytical chemistry for drug delivery, and in transcriptomics, proteomics and bioinformatics for identification of cellular targets of cold plasma, cellular response to cold plasma exposure and mechanism of action studies. Oral presentation skills, experimental design and data management, analysis and interpretation are also key skills which will be developed throughout the PhD. You will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary, output-focused research environment where supporting the development of individuals as critical thinkers is central. As a top-ranked school of pharmacy, the patient is at the centre of what we do. Therefore, it is anticipated that there will be many opportunities for you to demonstrate the impact of your work, primarily through dissemination of your work through publication in leading, peer-reviewed journals and through poster and oral presentations at national and international conferences (typically at least one international conference during your PhD). furthermore, the research group are actively involved in outreach activities, including NI Science Week and visits to/by local schools, as well as engaging with industrial and clinical stakeholders and collaborators. Every year the school receives an allocation of funded studentships from the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy (DfE), which can include provision for a small number of fully-funded international studentships. These studentships, which cover tuition fees, stipend and a contribution to running costs, are allocated through a competitive process, with applicants shortlisted and interviewed. All UK applicants will be automatically considered for these studentships and international students with no other funding can request that they be considered for DfE support. However, international DfE studentships are extremely competitive, and applicants should indicate that they wish to be considered for DfE support on their application form. To be eligible for consideration for a DfE Studentship a candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency, and academic qualifications. The Studentship is open to UK and ROI nationals, and to EU nationals with settled status in the UK, subject to meeting the specific DfE nationality and residency criteria. Full eligibility information can be viewed at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/department-economy-postgraduate-studentship-scheme The deadline for applications for DfE studentships is Friday 16th January 2026. All required documentation must be submitted by applicants by the closing date, otherwise the application will be deemed ineligible. Interviews will take place on the weeks commencing 9th and 16th February 2026.

Professor Brendan Gilmore

More Information

b.gilmore@qub.ac.uk

Research Profile

Full-time: 3 Years

Pharmacy overview

The School of Pharmacy (SoP) focuses its research activities on key areas of the pharmaceutical sciences, clinical and primary care aspects of pharmacy. Our research spans a wide range of scientific and professional disciplines. Multidisciplinary sits at the core of many of our internationally-connected research programmes, ultimately delivering impactful research designed to benefit patients. The School of Pharmacy is committed to research excellence. This is achieved through ambitious target setting, a key feature of our School Strategy, feeding into the broader University Strategy 2030. We will continually strive for research excellence, strategic recruitment and encourage/enable impactful internal and external collaborations. The SoP has as a broad portfolio of high quality research income and staff within the School publish widely in leading journals and present their work at national and international conferences. Our research focuses on making real-world improvements for patients through our expertise in pharmaceutical science and practice. Research programmes are grouped into five key themes, which are mainly funded by UK/European Government sources, leading medical charities and importantly the pharmaceutical industry. 1. NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTHERAPEUTICS This area focus on the development of novel technologies and targeted therapies for advanced healthcare solutions including anticancer therapeutics, nanoparticles and nano-delivery of macromolecules; proteases in disease and natural peptides. http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/ResearchThemes/NanomedicineandBi 2. PHARMACEUTICAL MATERIALS SCIENCE AND FORMULATION This activity centres on the design, development and industrial translation of novel systems for patient-focused administration of difficult-to-deliver drugs including; HIV prevention and multipurpose prevention technologies; solid dosage forms and microneedles. http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/ResearchThemes/PharmaceuticalMate 3. DRUG DELIVERY AND BIOMATERIALS The area investigates the development of materials which interface with the body, providing enhanced functionality. Applications include improved drug delivery, infection resistance or monitoring of levels of drug or host markers. The three main areas are: photoactive biomaterials, polymeric medical devices and sensor development. http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/ResearchThemes/DrugDeliveryandBio 4. INFECTION AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE This research theme consists of both basic and clinical research to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of infection, in particular for respiratory infectious diseases, antimicrobial stewardship and novel antimicrobials and anti-infective biomaterials http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/ResearchThemes/InfectionandAntimicr 5. HEALTHCARE DELIVERY AND MEDICINES OPTIMISATION Reaearch within heath care delivery and medicines optimisation encompasses the development and implementation of interventions that improve the health outcomes for patients in primary and secondary care. This includes systems of healthcare delivery; quality of care in vulnerable populations and clinical paediatrics https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/ResearchThemes/HealthcareDeliveryandMedicinesOptimisation/

• The Graduate School is a dedicated, University wide facility designed to connect postgraduate students from across all disciplines. It is located on the main site, within the recently renovated Lynn Library. The Graduate School provides an array of valuable training opportunities, tailor built to meet the needs of our postgraduate community. Importantly, courses are designed to provide support for core generic skills and for subject specific topics. Additionally, areas with the Graduate School can be reserved by postgraduate providing an idyllic retreat for those times which require intense focus. More information about the Graduate School, can be found below: https://www.qub.ac.uk/graduate-school/
• These unique research programmes are delivered by numerous leading international academic experts in specialist fields including drug delivery, medical devices and nanotechnology. Details of specific staff, with links to their areas of research expertise can be located below: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/
• 89% of current PhD students with the School of Pharmacy agree that the supervisory support and feedback equips them with the knowledge and experience to complete their research degree (PRES 2021).

Course content

Associated Research School of Pharmacy works closely with both local and global pharmaceutical companies. This ensures a successful pipeline for the development of novel emerging healthcare technologies, designed specifically to deliver patient benefit.

Research Themes NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTHERAPEUTICS Research in this theme is focused on the development of novel technologies and targeted therapies for advanced healthcare solutions. Activities are concentrated on the development of unique genetic therapies and delivery systems that can be applied for the detection and treatment of various disease condition, design and commercial translation of novel nanomedicines with a focus on cancer treatment, the detection, characterisation and inhibition of proteases implicated in chronic diseases, the isolation and characterisation of bioactive peptides for potential therapeutic use and computational biology for drug design and molecular modelling.

Research Themes PHARMACEUTICAL MATERIALS SCIENCE AND FORMULATION Research in this theme is focused on the design, development and industrial translation of novel systems for patient-focused administration of difficult-to-deliver drugs. Activities are concentrated on the development of formulations to address major global issues around sexual and reproductive health, use of hot melt granulation and polymer extrusion/injection moulding technologies to produce solid dosage forms, multi-layered and targeted drug delivery systems, the use microneedles for transdermal drug delivery, patient monitoring and vaccine delivery, implantable delivery systems and ocular therapeutics.

Research Themes DRUG DELIVERY AND BIOMATERIALS Research in this theme is focused on the development of materials which interface with the body and provide enhanced functionality, such as drug delivery, infection resistance or monitoring of levels of drug or host markers. Activities are concentrated on the development of new methods for fabricating materials for medical device manufacture including biomaterials with enhanced anti-infective and biocompatibility properties. Sensor research focuses on sensors immobilised in biocompatible scaffolds, blood-free diagnosis/patient monitoring using microneedles and developing point-of-care tests for microbial infection.

Research Themes INFECTION AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE Research in this theme is focused on improved prevention, detection and treatment of infection. Activities are concentrated on preventing the development of antimicrobial resistance through improved antimicrobial stewardship, improved detection of infection using molecular and sensor based technology, prevention of infection using novel anti-infective biomaterials and enhanced infection prevention and control strategies and improved treatment of infection through discovery of novel antibiotics and antibiotic adjuvants and markers for better evidence-based decisions on antibiotic selection.

Research Themes HEALTHCARE DELIVERY AND MEDICINES OPTIMISATION Research in this theme is focused on the development and implementation of interventions that improve the health outcomes of patients in primary and secondary care. Activities are concentrated on improving systems of patient care in all health care sectors with a focus on the appropriateness of prescribing in chronic disease and in care home residents with dementia, and medication adherence in children.

Research Themes The School of Pharmacy at Queen’s is widely acknowledged as a leading centre for Pharmacy teaching and research in the UK. We are currently ranked 2nd School of Pharmacy in the UK for Pharmacy and Pharmacology Research (The Complete University Guide 2022) PhD opportunities are available in: •Nanomedicine and biotherapeutics •Pharmaceutical materials science and formulation •Drug delivery and biomaterials •Infection and antimicrobial resistance •Healthcare delivery and medicines optimisation

Research Themes Our research focuses on making real-world improvements for patients through our expertise in pharmaceutical science and practice. REF 2021 showed that 97% of the School’s submitted research fell within the highest quality 4 and 3 categories, with 43% classed as world- leading 4 research. The School of Pharmacy has a long-standing track record in undertaking research which has had impact on healthcare and wellbeing for the population. Our work has led to the development of a local anaesthetic cream formulation, the creation of several spin-out companies (e.g. ProAxsis, pHion Therapeutics, Re-Vana Therapeutics), devices to help prevent the spread of HIV and a new type of pharmacy-led service which improves the prescribing of medication for older people. We constantly strive to do research which will positively impact society and improve the delivery of health care. One example of our high impact research includes the BREATH project led by Professor Lorraine Martin (https://www.breath-copd.org).

Research Projects Materials & Advanced Technologies for Healthcare (MATCH) is an interdisciplinary research initiative comprising leading researchers from the Schools of Pharmacy, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences and Nursing & Midwifery. Our research is based on one key question: “How can we use advanced technologies to significantly improve healthcare outcomes?” We connect researchers along the development pathway and follow a unique “Molecule to Patient” approach. Currently, single-stranded strategies are applied to development and use of new healthcare products. Without a holistic approach, medicines are wasted, patients suffer avoidable adverse effects, or go untreated. Greater interaction between those involved in identifying novel therapeutic targets, drug discovery, materials science, pharmaceutical formulation, manufacture, diagnosis, prescribing and medicines utilisation is a significant unmet need. If addressed, this stands to have major impact in the care of all patients, but especially the very young and old, representing the populations in which medicines may present the greatest risk, but have maximum benefit. We take an innovative dual approach, firstly by developing the underpinning technologies, secondly by exploiting the possibilities that these technologies present to maximum clinical and commercial advantage by selecting the best target areas and understanding patient factors.

Research Success The research profile produced by the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) showed that 97% of the research outputs with our combined Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy submission fell within the highest quality 4 and 3 categories, with 51% classed as world-leading 4 research, confirming our reputation as an internationally-leading research centre. Excellence across the School of Pharmacy is evidenced by our consistent ranking as one of the top pharmacy schools within the UK. We are very proud that in 2022 our School was ranked by the QS World Rankings in the top 15% (55th) globally for Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

Introduction Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles within the pharmaceutical industry. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits from facilities within the School, but also from wider University initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus, both of which bolster candidate employability.

Employment after the Course Queen’s University offer extensive career development opportunities to PhD students. Further details can be accessed via the link below. https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Dr Heather Barry PGR Director Pharmacy Applications considered throughout the year from applicants who have secured external funding or are willing to self-fund the project.

Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually, termed the Annual Progress Review (APR). APR requires students to present their work in both the written and oral format to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually, termed the Annual Progress Review (APR). APR requires students to present their work in both the written and oral format to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year. The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both written and oral. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Full time PhD students will have access to a shared office space and access to a desk with personal computer and internet access.

Entrance requirements

Graduate The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country .

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.0, with not less than 6.0 in writing, and not less than 5.5 in listening, speaking and reading, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs .

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC

EU Other 3 | £28,900

International | £28,900

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees .

Pharmacy costs

Additional course costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

How do I fund my study?

Find PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.

We offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.

The Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.

Information on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students .

The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply .

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here .

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

Download Postgraduate Prospectus

Research areas