BIOGEL-LENS: A Bioactive Multifunctional Hydrogel Contact Lens Platform for Regenerative Ocular Cell Supplementation

Organisation/Company

South East Technological University

Research Field

Chemistry » Analytical chemistry
Pharmacological sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

22 Apr 2026 - 16:00 (Europe/Dublin)

Country

Ireland

Type of Contract

Other

Type of Contract Extra Information

N/A 4-year PhD scholarship

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Scholarship Project Title: BIOGEL-LENS: A Bioactive Multifunctional Hydrogel Contact Lens Platform for Regenerative Ocular Cell Supplementation

Advert Reference No. : SETU_2025_03_WSCH

Supervisors: Dr. Saoirse Casey-Power, SETU Waterford

Dr. Marcos Mariano, SETU Waterford

Dr. Laurence Fitzhenry, SETU Waterford

Dr. Shona O’Brien (Industry Mentor), Ashland

Dr. Patrick Duffy (Industry Mentor), Ashland

Research Group: Ocular Therapeutics Research Group (OTRG)

Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC)

Department /School/Faculty: Department of Science, Faculty of Science and Computing

Duration: 4 Years (48 Months)

Status: Full-time / part-time: Full Time

Funding information: SETU 2025 Presidents Scholarship Programme

Value of the scholarship per year for four years: 

• Stipend: €22,500 per annum
• Fees: €5,750 per annum
• Research Costs: €3,000 per annum

Closing date and time: Wednesday, 22 April at 4pm Irish time

Interview date: To be confirmed

PhD commencement date: September 2026

Project Key Words: Bioactive Polymer, Formulation, Contact Lenses

It is projected that over 50% of the global population will become short-sighted by 2050 increasing demand for next generation contact lenses with capabilities that extend beyond vision correction. Therapeutic-laden contact lenses have been developed in recent years to overcome the known limitations of conventional topical drug delivery. However, many researchers fail to address the limitations surrounding the adverse effects of prolonged lens use, such as corneal hypersensitivity and irritation. There is also a growing need for ocular drug delivery systems (ODDs) that adopt a more proactive approach to disease treatment, by targeting endogenous pathways involved in cellular longevity and mitochondrial function before the development of severe, and often debilitating, symptoms. BIOGEL-LENS aims to address these gaps through the development of a multifunctional hydrogel for integration onto the base curve of a contact lens. Containing, a novel, bioactive polymer, this lens platform will respond dynamically to the ocular microenvironment created following lens application. With a combination of biomimetic functionality and smart material design, BIOGEL-LENS will provide a stepping stone towards a proactive and preventative ocular care, with significant potential to transform contact lenses from simple vision correction aids into multifunctional devices that protect long-term ocular cell health.

Applications are invited from a highly motivated candidate to conduct research on this four-year PhD research project on bioactive polymer formulation, characterisation and development within the OTRG at South East Technological University Waterford, in collaboration with Ashland in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The candidate will have access to a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of analytical science, material characterisation, and ocular drug delivery, whilst conducting research in a setting that is aligned with expected industry standards but also fosters innovation and creativity. As a PhD researcher, you will be responsible for:

• Screening of bioactive molecules on human corneal cell lines via in vitro cytotoxicity and efficacy studies.
• Synthesis and optimisation of a novel, polymer-bioactive molecule conjugate.
• Development and optimisation of the hydrogel film for integration onto the base curve of the fabricated contact lenses.
• Extensive characterisation of the polymer-bioactive molecule conjugate and developed lens platform using a number of materials characterisation techniques.
• Dissemination of the research work to scientific and lay audiences at national and international conferences, workshops, etc.
• Engaging with pre-existing national and international collaborative research networks to work with researchers specialising in a range of disciplines.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Honours Degree (minimum 2.1) in materials science, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical science, formulation chemistry, or another related discipline.

Desirable

• A postgraduate qualification and/or research experience in materials science, polymer science, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical science, formulation chemistry, or another related discipline, would be advantageous.
• Prior experience with the use and maintenance of cell culture lines for use in in vitro cellular assays.
• Prior experience in the use of spectroscopy and chromatography-based analytical techniques, including, but not limited to, UV-Vis spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy etc.
• Working knowledge of polymer-based formulations and contact lens fabrication.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate on application that they meet SETU’s English language requirements and provide all necessary documentation. See Page 7 of the Code of Practice.
• In order to be shortlisted for interview, you must meet the SETU English speaking requirements so please provide evidence in your application.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft® Office.
• Skilled in data analysis and interpretation.
• Self-motivation and an ability to demonstrate their own initiative to fulfil the outlined goals of the research project.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams.

Desirable

• Prior experience in scientific academic writing.
• A working knowledge of statistical analytical software.
• Prior experience in the dissemination of scientific knowledge to both small and large interdisciplinary audiences (written or verbal).
• Willingness to commute or re-locate (if required) to Ashland laboratories in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath to conduct research work in collaboration with industry mentors.

Further information

For any informal queries, please contact Dr. Saoirse Casey-Power on email Saoirse.Casey-Power@setu.ie

Application procedure

 Complete the online Application Form from the SETU website  quoting the advert reference   code SETU_2025_03_WSCH.

 Please ensure that you upload all supporting documents as part of your submission. 

 Please note that applications must be submitted by this route.

For queries relating to the application and admission process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office via email researchadmissions@setu.ie or telephone +353 (0)51 302883.

University Website: https://www.setu.ie

The University will short-list and interview those applicants who provide the most suitable information in terms of experience, qualifications and other requirements relevant to the scholarship.

SOUTH EAST TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (SETU) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Website

https://www.setu.ie

Research Field

Chemistry » Analytical chemistry

Education Level

Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

South East Technological University

Country

Ireland

Geofield

Website

http://www.setu.ie

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