The Oxford Centre for Drug Delivery Devices (OxCD³)

Created in 2014, the Oxford Centre for Drug Delivery Devices (OxCD³) is a £10m multi-disciplinary research centre supported by a 5-year EPSRC Programme Grant in partnership with 10 industrial partners from across the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors. The Centre will develop engineering approaches, from inception to manufacture, for device-based delivery of novel classes of anti-cancer therapeutics including siRNA, radiopharmaceuticals, viruses and antibodies. A key focus of OxCD³ is the exploitation of physical mechanisms triggered by ultrasound, magnetic fields or shock waves, involving a combination of stimulus-responsive nanoparticles and medical devices already in clinical use, to improve the delivery and penetration of drugs into tumours. Led by Prof. Coussios, the Centre is a dynamic partnership between Oxford University’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Oncology, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Nuffield Department of Surgical Science and Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility.

We are pleased to invite applications from UK and EU students for up to 4 fully funded studentships for 3 years starting in October 2015 (partially funded for EU students, funding not available for overseas applicants). Up to 3 studentships are tenable within the Department of Engineering Science, and 1 studentship within the Department of Oncology. The successful applicants will be physically located and work as part of the 20-strong OxCD³ team within the University’s Old Road Campus Research Building.

Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors (Engineering Science: Professors Constantin Coussios, Robert Carlisle, Robin Cleveland and Eleanor Stride; Oncology: Professors Len Seymour, Katherine Vallis and Nicola Sibson) to discuss research projects prior to applying. Applicants with a background in engineering, physics or related physical discipline are encouraged to apply for the studentships tenable within Engineering Science. Applicants with a background in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, biology or related discipline should apply for the studentship tenable in the Department of Oncology.

Applicants are expected to have been predicted or to have achieved a first-class or an upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualifications) in a relevant discipline. A previous Master’s qualification is not required. Each studentship will cover University and College fees, with the current stipend (tax-free) being £13,863 per annum, plus additional support for travel and conference attendance.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Tracey King, OxCD³ Programme Manager (tracey.king<στο>eng.ox.ac.uk). All applications must be made via the formal University procedure (http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford/application-guide). All applications must mention ‘OxCD3’ under Proposed field and title of research project" and must name one of the OxCD3 investigators under "Proposed Supervisor Name" to be considered. 

Deadline for submission of applications: Monday 16^th February 2015 by 12.00 noon.