PhD Research Studentships

EPSRC PhD Studentship: Nanofabrication and Engineering of Gene Delivery Vectors

Supervisor:	j.p.w.stark@qmul.ac.uk
Apply by:	31 August 2014

Description

A wide range of potential nanofabrication approaches for the encapsulation of materials having application in health care industries have been investigated. In this project we propose to develop a nano-fabrication route that uses electrospray for the design and engineering of non-viral vectors for gene delivery. Nanofabrication processes for gene delivery should be non-toxic, preserve the nature of DNA and allow the control of the properties of the vector (controlled release of the DNA, targeting of specific cells), reliably and efficiently; the electrospray process meets these requirements. The first aim of this project is to develop a greater understanding of the underlying physical processes taking place in such a nanofabrication system and hence derive a model of behaviour. This project will study the impact of the processing method on the structure of the nanomaterials generated. Following on from this the encapsulation of DNA materials using the developed electrospray platform will be studied, in order to generate non-viral vectors suitable for gene therapy applications. Finally, we will test the performance of the resulting vectors using assays developed in our laboratories. This experimentally based study forms part of the programme within the School’s Institute of Bioengineering. Applicants must have a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) or equivalent) in either an appropriate engineering discipline or in physics or materials science, with a strong aptitude to undertake experimentally based research. The successful candidate will develop expertise in the fields of electrospray, bioengineering and biomaterials including associated characterisation techniques. Our research groups have a strong track-record in the fields of electrospray design and engineering (Stark Lab) as well as biomaterials science (Gautrot Lab). The successful candidate will join our multidisciplinary teams building a strong expertise in the fields of electrospray engineering, nanofabrication and nanomaterials characterisation, imaging and microscopy. Supervisors: Professor John Stark & Dr Julien Gautrot Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) The QMUL Institute of Bioengineering is a new cross-faculty initiative bringing together over 40 academics from the faculties of Medicine & Dentistry and Science & Engineering. The Institute will provide a focus for ground-breaking research aimed at the development of new medical technologies to meet the key healthcare challenges of the 21st century. EPSRC DTA Research Studentship Details To be eligible for a full award (stipend and fees) applicants must have: • settled status in the UK, meaning they have no restrictions on how long they can stay and • been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for 3 years prior to Sept 2014. This means they must have been normally residing in the UK (apart from temporary or occasional absences) and • Not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education (This does not apply to UK nationals). (See: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/ for more details) • Full Time programme only • Applicants required to start in September/October 2014. • The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend (£15,726 in 2013/14) for up to three years. • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline. Contact Details: For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Professor John Stark or Dr Julien Gautrot Tel: 020 7882 8875 or 5263 E-mail: j.p.w.stark@qmul.ac.uk Application Method: To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Medical Engineering programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) via the following webpage: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgrcoursefinder/engineering/index.html Further Guidance available via: http://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/research/howtoapply/ Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2014 EPSRC IOB JPWS3’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity. For General Enquiries in regards to the application process, email the SEMS Research Administrator on j.hills@qmul.ac.uk

Eligibility

The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact j.p.w.stark@qmul.ac.uk.