PhD Studentship: Ultraviolet Shielding of Intravenous Infusion Bags (Sponsored by Terumo Blood [...]

University of Ulster; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is offering a 3-year PhD program focused on developing advanced medical-grade polymer composites with improved UV shielding for IV bags. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in Engineering or Materials Science and a keen interest in polymer nanotechnology. The program offers a competitive stipend of approximately £26,000, all fees covered, and valuable industrial engagement opportunities. Candidates are encouraged to apply by the deadline of February 27, 2026.

Benefits

Competitive stipend

All fees covered

Industrial engagement opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong interest in polymer composites and nanomaterials.
• Skills in synthesis, properties, characterisation, and functionalisation.
• Relevant educational background in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Undertake a 3 year PhD program focused on medical-grade polymer composites.
• Research on UV shielding and material performance.
• Develop training in manufacture and characterization of polymer composites.

Skills

Polymer composites

Nanomaterials

Characterisation techniques

Education

First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree

Master’s Degree with Distinction

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Ulster Department ERI Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Engineering » Biomaterial engineering Engineering » Mechanical engineering Chemistry » Physical chemistry Physics » Condensed matter properties Engineering » Biomedical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 27 Feb 2026 - 16:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 15 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Summary

Applicants are invited to undertake a 3 year PhD program in partnership with a global leader in blood- and cell-based therapies (Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies Ltd).

The project focuses on the nanoengineering of medical-grade polymer composites for use in intravenous (IV) bags, addressing key challenges in ultraviolet (UV) shielding and material performance.

This exciting PhD project, supported by a global medical device manufacturer, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of materials science, nanotechnology, and healthcare.

An intravenous (IV) infusion bag is a medical-grade container designed to safely store and deliver solutions used in IV therapy. Manufactured from biocompatible, flexible plastics, these bags are integral to clinical practice, enabling the delivery of fluids, electrolytes, medications, nutrients, and blood products directly into a patient’s circulatory system.

However,prolonged exposure to everyday ultraviolet (UV) light can cause photodegradation, which can accelerate breakdown of the drug product and impact product stability.

To address this global challenge, this PhD project aims to develop novel nano-engineered medical grade polymer composites with boosted UV shielding characteristics, while preserving their barrier performance, biocompatibility, transparency and mechanical properties, by introducing appropriately functionalised fillers in the polymer of the IV bag.

Implementing such measures is expected to preserve the stability of infusion solutions.

A comprehensive suite of advanced characterization techniques available at the School of Engineering will be employed to investigate the structural, mechanical, optical and barrier properties of the developed materials.

The successful candidate will receive advanced training in the manufacture and characterisation of polymer composites, including the evaluation of UV shielding, barrier, optical, and mechanical properties.

The project also includes valuable industrial engagement, enabling the researcher to gain first-hand experience within a global manufacturing environment and to develop both technical expertise and professional skills relevant to the bio‑medical materials sector.

Applicants should have a strong interest in polymer composites and nanomaterials — including their synthesis, properties, characterisation, and functionalisation — for pharmaceutical related applications.

We particularly welcome applications from graduates with backgrounds in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Biochemistry, or Biological/Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.

This 3 year PhD programme, commencing on September 2026 comes with a highly attractive stipend of ~ £26,000 minimum, tax free, with all fees covered.

For more information on this project please contact: Professor Pagona Papakonstantinou,

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Languages ENGLISH

Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering

Additional Information

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies Ltd

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000 plus an additional annual stipend of £5,000* per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status, or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or
• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full‑time basis for more than one year (or part‑time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period

Additional comments

[1] K. Dai etal “Recent Advances of Sustainable UV Shielding Materials: Mechanisms and Applications” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2025, 17, 30402−30422 DOI:10.1021/acsami.5c04539
[2] T. S. Muzata etal “An overview of recent advances in polymer composites with improved UV‑shielding properties” J Appl Polym Sci. 2023,140, e53693. DOI: 10.1002/app.53693