Program Overview

Program Overview

The program in question is a PhD in Chemistry, focusing on Stimuli-Responsive Polymeric MRI Contrast Agents for Advanced Imaging Applications.

Qualification(s) Available

• PhD

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in Chemistry. Experience in organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and/or chemical biology will be an advantage.

Fees for Entry

• UK fee: £5,006 Full-time degree per annum
• International fee: £28,600 Full-time degree per annum

Duration and Start Date

• Full-time: 3 years
• Part-time: 6 years
• Start date: October 2025, January 2026, April 2026, July 2026

Application Deadline

• 1 March 2026

Project Reference

• CM/SB-SF3/2025

Location

• Loughborough

Subject Area(s)

• Chemistry

Project Details

The aim of this PhD project is to synthesise small molecule MRI contrast agents and incorporate them into responsive polymers. The resulting polymeric particles will be designed to respond to their surrounding environment by a measurable change in MRI signal, thereby reporting on physiological parameters such as local pH in human tissue, aiding the diagnosis and better understanding of diseases such as cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique which provides 2 and 3-dimensional anatomical information on soft tissues in a non-invasive manner. In the clinic, MRI relies upon small molecule contrast agents to enhance the image quality, enabling the diagnosis of neurological, cardiovascular, and oncological disorders. However, these MRI contrast agents suffer from low sensitivity and fast excretion from the body. We have shown that these properties can be improved dramatically by linking the contrast agent to polymer scaffolds, thereby increasing their size and restricting their local motion.

Recently, we developed a novel synthetic strategy to create macromolecular MRI contrast agents with enhanced imaging capabilities, by using a combination of organic chemistry and controlled polymerisation techniques. The resulting polymeric MRI agents display substantially higher image contrast compared to those used in the clinic, potentially allowing lower and safer doses of the contrast agent to be used. Building on this exciting work, this project will focus on synthesising small molecule contrast agents and incorporating them into responsive polymers, which are capable of reporting on physiological parameters such as local pH in human tissue, aiding the diagnosis and better understanding of diseases such as cancer.

The student will gain excellent training in a range of techniques including organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, materials characterisation, and molecular imaging. They will be supported by postdoctoral researchers within the Butler Group and will be very well trained for roles in industry. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly require scientists with combined synthetic and bioanalytical skills. Therefore, there are many potential employability options for the student, in addition to postdoctoral opportunities in this active research field.

Supervisors

• Primary supervisor: Dr Stephen Butler
• Secondary supervisor: Dr Helen Willcock

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment, and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment, and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance, and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

How to Apply

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Chemistry. Please quote the advertised reference number: CM/SBSF3/2025 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. Please note that this criteria is used for both funded and self-funded projects.

Please note, applications for this project are considered on an ongoing basis once submitted, and the project may be withdrawn prior to the application deadline, if a suitable candidate is chosen for the project.