PhD Research Studentships

EPSRC PhD Studentship: Polymer chemist for the design of novel biomaterials

Supervisor: j.gautrot@qmul.ac.uk
Apply by:18 August 2014

Description

A studentship in the field of polymer synthesis is available in the group of Dr J. Gautrot. The research will focus on the synthesis of novel polymers displaying strong adhesion to soft tissues and implants, for application in tissue engineering, care and repair. The design and success of novel tissue engineering strategies require the synthesis of novel polymers that can promote adhesion with surrounding tissues and implants. In particular, this project will develop novel methods for the synthesis of polymers that display strong and specific adhesion to surrounding tissues. The successful candidate will develop skills in polymer synthesis and biofunctionalisation, structural (NMR, FTIR, Mass Spec) and mechanical characterisation. This project will be integrated with other projects in our group focusing on tissue engineering problems and it is anticipated that the student will also develop multidisciplinary skills, in collaboration with bioengineers in our group, to test the adhesive properties of the materials to tissues, the toxicity of the materials and how they alter basic cell biology processes (proliferation, cell sheet formation). Our research group has a strong track-record in the field of biomaterials science: their design and synthesis, but also use to interrogate processes occurring at the cell-material interface (see Biomaterials 2010, 2012, Nature Materials 2012, Nature Cell Biology 2010 and Integrative Biology 2013). The successful candidate will join our multidisciplinary team and build a strong expertise in the fields of biomaterials chemistry, biophysical characterisation of cell/tissue-biomaterials interfaces and bio-engineering. Applicants must have (or be about to obtain) a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) in chemistry. Supervisors: Dr J. Gautrot and Dr A. Barber School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL) EPSRC 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/studentships/help/eligibility/ for more details) • Full Time programme only • Applicants required to start in 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 chemistry or materials science. Contact Details: For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Gautrot or Dr Barber. Tel: 020 7882 5263 E-mail: j.gautrot@qmul.ac.uk or a.h.barber@qmul.ac.uk Visit our website: http://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/staff.php?j.gautrot@qmul.ac.uk Application Method: To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Materials Science programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) via the following webpage: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgrcoursefinder/materials/index.html Further Guidance available via: http://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/research/howtoapply/ Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2014 EPSRC ICA SEMS JEG 2’ 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.gautrot@qmul.ac.uk.

Related website:https://mysis.qmul.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RFQM-J5ZF-09&code2=0005&code3=GUEST