Nutraceutical nano-delivery systems for skin therapeutics and cosmeceutical applications – bench to shelf

Skin disorders affect more than a third of the global population constituting almost a quarter of all human diseases. These range from conditions such as psoriasis that have psychosocial impact, to skin cancers that are a cause of morbidity and mortality.

The Centre for Nutraceuticals (https://www.westminster.ac.uk/research/groups-and-centres/centre-for-nutraceuticals) has a leading international reputation in the evaluation of bioactive and development of these innovative carrier systems for therapeutic efficacy. Our recent preliminary work has screened and identified novel botanical antioxidants that demonstrate potential in protecting the skin against oxidative damage and inflammation. The project aims to develop novel biopolymer-based nanocarriers encapsulating these pre-screened bioactive antioxidant nutraceutical agents for targeted skin therapeutic applications and assess their safety and efficacy utilising monolayer 2D cultures progressing to gold standard organotypic 3D cultures

The PhD candidate will benefit from training in a host of multi-disciplinary skills ranging from formulation science and nanotechnology to a portfolio of cell biology techniques (e.g. cell culture, immunoassays, confocal microscopy). In addition, they will gain valuable experience in research innovation and entrepreneurship. As evident from the track-record of the Centre, this project has significant potential to acquire industry funding for further research and potential commercial opportunities. 

These PhD opportunities will include comprehensive personal and professional development training and a mentoring programme from the University of Westminster Graduate School. The researchers will join a School firmly committed to decolonising and diversifying policies, practices, and cultures within, and beyond, Higher Education. 

Entry requirements and how to apply

Candidates should have a minimum classification of 2.1 in their bachelor’s degree or equivalent and preferably a Masters degree. Applicants whose secondary level education has not been conducted in the medium of English should also demonstrate evidence of appropriate English language proficiency normally defined as IELTS: 6.5 (overall score with not less than 6.0 in any of the individual elements).

You can read more about what should be in a PhD research proposal here:

https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements/how-to-write-your-research-proposal

You can read more about our entry requirements here:

http://westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements

Applications should be submitted by Friday 16^th May 2025. Interviews will take place in June.

It is essential you include the code of the project you are applying for in your personal statement i.e. “SLS SF1”.

Also include the title of the specific project you wish to apply for in your application.