PhD Studentship - Therapeutic Reference Materials

Job summary

Funding notes

The studentship is only available for students eligible for home UK fees. Entry requirements are a first-class BSc degree or a 2:1 (or international equivalent). An MSc in a relevant subject (or international equivalent) is also acceptable. University of Reading actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We strongly encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented within our research student community: BAME British applicants, applicants with disabilities and older applicants.

As a candidate, you will be a highly motivated individual interested in undertaking research in the field of cell and molecular biology.

Project description

A 4-year full-time PhD studentship is available in the Immunohaematology & Autoimmunity team, working with the Standards Lifecycle within the Science and Research operational group (S&R) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This project is in collaboration with the Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR), School of Biological Sciences, at University of Reading. The student will also be required to complete two 3-month rotations in the wider MHRA within their first year allowing them to gain insight into public health research.

The project will be supervised by Dr Dina Vara at the MHRA, and by Prof Jon Gibbins and Dr Chris Jones at the University of Reading. The studentship is anticipated to commence on 28th September 2026. The studentship will offer a stipend, currently £22,780 per year and reviewed annually.

Job description

About the Project

Platelet transfusion is essential for the management of bleeding, trauma, and thrombocytopenia, yet reliance on short-lived, fresh platelets poses major logistical and clinical challenges. Lyophilised platelets (LPs) have been explored as a potential alternative since the mid-20th century, yet uncertainties remain regarding the extent to which platelet structure, function, and metabolic activity are preserved following freeze-drying.

Recent studies, alongside earlier exploratory work, suggest that trehalose-loaded lyophilised platelets (TL-LPs) can retain key haemostatic properties. However, the mechanisms underpinning this preservation and the degree to which TL-LPs recapitulate the structural and functional characteristics of fresh platelets remain insufficiently defined. Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential for advancing TL-LPs towards therapeutic, diagnostic, and quality-control applications.

This multidisciplinary PhD project aims to systematically investigate the impact of lyophilisation on platelet structure and function, with a particular focus on membrane integrity, haemostatic activity, mitochondrial stability, and long-term storage resilience. By building on emerging evidence in platelet preservation and biostabilisation, the project seeks to establish whether TL-LPs retain sufficient platelet-like properties to support their clinical translation.

The proposed research will assess the feasibility of using TL-LPs as functional platelet surrogates through comprehensive in vitro evaluation. Specific objectives include: (i) characterisation of membrane architecture and preservation of key platelet surface receptors following lyophilisation; (ii) evaluation of primary and secondary haemostatic function; (iii) assessment of mitochondrial integrity and metabolic responsiveness; and (iv) determination of TL-LP stability under varying storage durations and environmental conditions.

The successful candidate will gain extensive training in a wide range of laboratory techniques relevant to platelet biology, haemostasis, and biotherapeutic development. These will include advanced microscopy, flow cytometry, functional haemostasis assays, metabolic and mitochondrial analyses, and data interpretation using appropriate statistical approaches. As with all PhD projects, experimental strategies will be refined as the project develops, and new findings emerge.

The student will benefit from multidisciplinary supervision and access to state-of-the-art facilities across the University of Reading and the MHRA, providing a unique translational research environment at the interface of academic science and regulatory science. In addition, the candidate will have access to specialised training courses and professional development opportunities and will be encouraged to present their findings at national and international scientific conferences.

About MHRA

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhances and improves the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

About S&R

Based at a state-of-the-art scientific facility in South Mimms Hertfordshire, S&R is an operational group of the MHRA. We are a global leader in the characterisation, standardisation and control of biological medicines with the objective to deliver public health impact via world-leading science, research and innovation. The successful candidate will have the unique experience of undertaking the PhD research at a government facility.

About the Team

The Immunohaematology and Autoimmunity team, within the Standards Lifecycle division of S&R, is an expert group focused on developing lyophilised biological products that support World Health Organization International Standards.

Awarding Institution

The successful candidate will be registered at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading — a leading UK research centre in cardiovascular and platelet biology, recognised for its expertise in thrombosis, haemostasis and related fields.

Person specification

About You

Eligible students will be expected to hold an MSci (at least a 2:1) or a BSc (at least a merit) + MSc (at least a 2:1) or the international equivalents of the relevant first degree and the Masters’ degree. Additional relevant postgraduate or other laboratory work experience relating to the proposed project would be appreciated but not essential.

Please note, this studentship is only available to home students meeting the following criteria:

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

As a candidate, you will be a motivated individual with a strong passion for improving patient outcomes. You will have a keen interest in working with the Standards Lifecycle within the Science and Research operational group (S&R) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Your key responsibilities will be:

• To undertake the research projects in line with the project aims.
• To communicate effectively, orally and through written media, undertake presentations at scientific meetings and maintain excellent records.
• To interact regularly and effectively with your supervisors and interact appropriately and effectively with other staff.
• To meet the expectations of the study for a PhD by the awarding body (University).

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £22,780, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £6,599 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays
• Privilege Leave: 1 day
• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months full pay/five months half pay
• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
• Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on 0300 123 6666
• Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan
• Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund
• Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA)
• Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs
• On-going learning and development

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

How to Apply

You should submit a covering letter, with your application and CV, detailing what you can bring to the project and what you would anticipate achieving from the studentship to studentship@mhra.gov.uk Please quote the reference number MHRA-PhD-2-2025 in your letter. Informal enquiries can be directed to dina.vara@mhra.gov.uk.

If you have a disability defined by the Equality Act 2010 (https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010) you may apply under the UK Civil Service Guaranteed Interview Scheme provided that you meet all of the qualifications, skills, requirements and experience defined as essential for the studentship. You must submit the Guaranteed Interview Scheme Declaration form with your application: this can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guaranteed-interview-scheme. At interview all applicants will be assessed solely on merit.

Any offer of a studentship is conditional upon successful background screening which includes, but is not limited to checks on identity, qualifications and right to study in the UK.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : The Resourcing Team
• Email : dina.vara@mhra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Careers@mhra.gov.uk

Further information

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact the Resourcing Team at Careers@mhra.gov.uk, in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk - info@csc.gov.uk - Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ