PhD Research Studentships

Mechanobiology of stem cells

Supervisor:	n.gavara@qmul.ac.uk
Apply by:	31 August 2013

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 • Available to Home/EU • Full Time research degree programme only • Applicants will preferably 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). • Deadline for applications: 31/08/2013 (Early applications are encouraged) Contact Details: For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr. Núria Gavara Tel: 020 7882 3232 E-mail: n.gavara@qmul.ac.uk Application Method: To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Medical Engineering PhD 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 NG’ 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 n.gavara@qmul.ac.uk.