PhD Research Studentships
EPSRC PhD Studentship: Chemistry and biochemistry of bioadhesion
Supervisor: | j.gautrot@qmul.ac.uk |
Apply by: | 31 March 2015 |
Description
A studentship in the design of biomaterials for soft tissue bioadhesion is available in the group of Dr J. Gautrot. The research will focus on the study of bioadhesion to soft tissues and the design of biomaterials with bioadhesive properties for soft tissue engineering. Soft tissue bioadhesion is an important element in the field of tissue engineering. Designing a mechanical interface that is robust enough to allow tissues to be repaired whilst preserving the structural and mechanical integrity of the healing tissue is particularly challenging. To do so, understanding the chemistry and biochemistry of such interfaces, and in particular the soft tissue and cells forming it, is essential. The understanding of the molecular basis of tissue adhesion, and how the tissue-biomaterials interface enables the transmission of mechanical forces, will enable the design of biomaterials with improved compatibility and adhesion to soft tissues. This project will develop novel methods to study such interfaces and novel strategies for the design of biomaterials that display strong and specific adhesion to surrounding tissues. The successful candidate will develop skills in biomaterials chemistry and biofunctionalization, structural, chemical (NMR, FTIR, Mass Spec, Surface Plasmon Resonance) and mechanical characterisation (indentation, rheology, AFM). This project will be integrated with other projects in our group focusing on tissue engineering 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 (adhesion, proliferation, tissue stratification). 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, Biochemistry or Materials Sciences. 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 October 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 April/May 2015. • 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. Tel: 020 7882 5263 E-mail: j.gautrot@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 2 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 4’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
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: | http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgrcoursefinder/materials/index.html |