Title: Funded PhD Position in Biomedical Engineering – Engineering the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) for Precision Gene and Therapeutic Delivery
Summary:
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore is inviting applications for a funded PhD position in the Smith Lab, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB), for the August 2027 intake. The project focuses on engineering cells at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to enable precise and localized delivery of genes and therapeutics into the brain.
Designation:
Funded PhD Student / PhD Researcher
Research Area:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Engineering
- Gene and Therapeutic Delivery
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Engineering
- Synthetic Biology
- Viral Vector Engineering
- Extracellular Vesicles
- Neuroscience and CNS Therapeutics
- Advanced Human BBB Models
Location:
School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Eligibility/Qualification:
Applicants should have:
- A strong B.Sc., M.Sc., M.Tech., or equivalent degree in biochemistry, molecular/cell biology, biotechnology, biological engineering, or a related field.
- Hands-on molecular biology experience, preferably including molecular cloning/DNA assembly and bacterial or mammalian cell culture.
- A strong foundation in protein biochemistry, with practical experience in protein expression, purification, and/or characterization.
- Experience with techniques such as Western blotting, ELISA, chromatography, or related methods.
- Ability to independently design and conduct experiments, troubleshoot problems, interpret results, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary research team.
- Fulfillment of all NTU PhD admission requirements, which is strictly required.
Additional experience that would be advantageous:
- Extracellular vesicles/exosomes
- Adenoviral or other viral vectors
- Membrane trafficking or protein secretion
- Flow cytometry
- Confocal microscopy
- Endothelial cell biology
- Advanced cell culture models
Job Description:
The selected PhD student will work on an experimental research project investigating whether the blood-brain barrier can be engineered to become part of a therapeutic delivery system. The research will explore ways to engineer BBB cells for precise and localized delivery of therapeutics into the brain.
The project may involve:
- Molecular biology
- Protein biochemistry
- Synthetic biology
- Gene delivery
- Extracellular vesicles
- Engineered protein secretion
- Viral vectors
- Advanced human BBB models
How to Apply:
Applicants should submit their application by email to Prof. Smith at sheena.smith@ntu.edu.sg.
Please include:
- CV
- Short cover letter/email (maximum one page) explaining:
- How your previous research experience meets the selection criteria, with specific examples of techniques and experiments you personally performed.
- Why the project, research environment, and team interest you.
- Academic transcripts and test scores are optional at this stage.
- Confirm in your cover letter that you meet the NTU PhD admission requirements.
Email Subject: PhD Application, Aug 2027 Intake
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Last Date for Apply:
Until position filled
