Supervisor: Dr Yi (David) Ju

Co-Supervisor: Prof Marco Herold

Laboratory: Nanomedicine and Gene Therapeutics Laboratory

mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have revolutionised SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and hold great promise for treating many intractable diseases. The LNPs used in approved mRNA vaccines consist of four lipid components: (i) ionisable lipids, (ii) phospholipids, (iii) polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipids, and (iv) cholesterol. This project aims to develop next-generation LNPs to enhance targeting efficiency and therapeutic efficacy. It will integrate particle engineering, comprehensive proteomics analysis, whole human blood immune assays, and animal models to investigate the relationships between nanoparticle design, protein corona composition, and the stealth and targeting performance of nanoparticles.

The candidate will receive training in nanoscience, nanotechnology, immunology, and oncology, gaining key skills in the synthesis and characterisation of nanoparticles, bio-nano interactions, and animal experiments.