PhD Research Studentships
Macromolecular and directed self-assembly Macromolecules and peptides as building blocks for the supramolecular organization of advanced biomaterials
| Supervisor: | h.azevedo@qmul.ac.uk |
| Apply by: | 15 June 2013 |
Description
This project aims to use synthetic and natural polymers as macromolecular templates to drive the self-assembly of pre-designed peptides into functional biomaterial systems (e.g. membranes, microcapsules/microgels). The project will involve the design and synthesis of peptide molecules with the ability to self-assemble with specific macromolecules. The self-assembling properties of the developed peptides and their interaction with polymeric materials will be characterized by using a wide range of analytical and microscopic techniques (mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, circular dichroism, isothermal titration calorimetry, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, among others). The obtained self-assembled biomaterials will be then tested in vitro with relevant cells to examine how cells behave/respond to different biochemical signals. We seek highly motivated candidates with background on Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related disciplines (master level). Candidates with experience on peptide synthesis and characterization will be preferred. Research Area: Biomedical Engineering / Supramolecular biomaterials QMUL Research Studentship Details • Available to Home/EU/International Applicants • Full Time research degree programme only • Applicants will be required to start the degree programme in September/October 2013. • The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend (£15,590 in 2012/13) 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. Helena Azevedo Tel: 020 7882 5282 E-mail: h.azevedo@qmul.ac.uk Application Method: To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Medical Engineering programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) please follow the instructions detailed in section 3 of the following webpage: http://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/research/howtoapply/ During the online application process you will be asked to provide details of any funding you are applying for, please be sure to include a reference to ‘2013 SEMS RSS HA’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity. For General enquiries in regards to the application process please email the School’s Research Administrator, Mr Jonathon Hills 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 minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact h.azevedo@qmul.ac.uk.