PhD Research Studentships

PhD Studentship: Biophysics and mechanics of stem cells

Supervisor:	n.gavara@qmul.ac.uk
Apply by:	2 December 2014

Description

The project aims at characterizing the effect of mechanical stimuli on the differentiation of adult human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In particular, the project will assess the role of the cytoskeleton as bridging structure between the mechanical input and the cell nucleus. Experiments will combine state-of-the-art fluorescence microscopy techniques with Atomic Force Microscopy, cell stretch or microfluidic devices. The candidate will routinely: • Use cell culture, basic biochemical techniques and live-cell imaging. • Perform biophysical experiments with diverse instrumentation such as Atomic Force Microscopes, commercial systems to apply mechanical load and microfluidic devices. • Implement image and signal processing algorithms for data analysis. Applicants should have a MEng/MSc/MRes in Biophysics, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Physics or similar. Experience in some of these key areas is required: cellular biophysics, fluorescence microscopy, image processing, atomic force microscopy, cell culture, basic biochemistry and Matlab. Research Area: Biomedical Engineering and Materials QMUL Research Studentship Details • Full Time research degree programme only • Applicants will preferably start the degree programme in December 2013. • The studentship arrangement will provide an annual stipend (£15,863 in 2014/15) 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. • Students must be able to demonstrate “a capability to undertake and benefit from research training through to completion, to the standard necessary to qualify for a PhD.” • Some compulsory teaching responsibilities will be required. • International applicants should refer to the following website at http://www.qmul.ac.uk/international/index.html • If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking). Contact Details: For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr. Núria Gavara Tel: 020 7882 6596, E-mail: n.gavara@qmul.ac.uk Application Method: Apply for entry on to the Medical Engineering PhD programme (Full Time, Semester 2 start) via: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgrcoursefinder/engineering/index.html Please include a reference to ‘2014 SEMS RSS NG’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity. Further Guidance is available via: http://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/research/howtoapply/ 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 n.gavara@qmul.ac.uk.