Beyond scratching the surface: optimisation of biofilm disinfection
Glasgow Caledonian University (https://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/researchcentres/reach)
Closes: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Eligibility: Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
About the Project
We have an exciting opportunity for a four-year PhD studentship within the Research Centre for Health (ReaCH) at Glasgow Caledonian University (https://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/researchcentres/reach). The successful candidate will join the laboratories of Dr Ryan Kean and Professor Gordon Ramage and work alongside our industrial partners at GAMA Healthcare (https://gamahealthcare.com/).
Funded through an IBioIC Industrial PhD Training Programme in partnership with GAMA Healthcare, we aim to design and formulate a novel disinfectant delivery system capable of eliminating both planktonic and biofilm-associated microorganisms responsible for hospital-acquired infections. Hospitals are key reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) where high antimicrobial use and vulnerable patient populations accelerate transmission of resistant pathogens. Despite implementation of stringent disinfection protocols, many multidrug-resistant organisms still cause nosocomial outbreaks, which we hypothesise are due, in part, to the formation of microbial biofilms in the hospital environment that withstand current disinfection strategies. This project will combine the internationally recognised biofilm expertise and modelling experience of Dr Kean and Professor Ramage at GCU with the formulation science expertise of GAMA Healthcare. The successful candidate will optimise clinically relevant biofilm models that will serve as a robust test bed for evaluating novel disinfectant formulations, with the aim of developing a market-leading disinfectant ready for implementation in healthcare settings.
As an IBioIC PhD student, you will work between a vibrant academic research environment and industry, working with international leaders in medical microbiology and biofilms, and with formulation scientists from GAMA. As an IBioIC PhD student, you will receive advanced research training aligned to your specific project, engage in core skills development pertinent to data analysis and develop professional skills relating to communication and public engagement, alongside Industrial and Collaborative Experience and Specialist Workshops. Together, these will provide world-class training to prepare you to enter the workforce and contribute to economic growth in Scotland and the UK.
Apply
This project is available as a 4 year full-time PhD study programme starting 1st October 2026
Applicants should apply via our application process page choosing Biological Sciences and Full time Sept 2026 start. You should choose Reference SHLS26146- Kean from the drop-down list in your application. Please note that emails to the supervisory team or enquires submitted via this project advert do not constitute formal applications;
Supervisory contact: Dr Ryan Kean Email: ryan.kean@gcu.ac.uk https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/en/persons/ryan-kean/
Funding Notes
This opportunity is funded by IBioIC, Glasgow Caledonian University and GAMA Healthcare under the IBioIC Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) call, covering full home tuition fees and PhD stipend at UKRI rate (£21,805 from October 2026)
