PhD Research Studentships

Development of a functional 3D eccrine sweat gland model

Supervisor: Thomas ISKRATSCH
Apply by:31 July 2021

Description

Applications are invited for a multi-disciplinary PhD studentship at Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with the industrial sponsor Unilever.

The human eccrine gland is a complex, multicellular gland that is found in skin across the body, and it is essential for sweat secretion, thermoregulation, and skin homeostasis.  Eccrine gland function is influenced by a variety of environmental and systemic factors, such chemicals, diet, medications, and stress.  However, there is a lack of human-based eccrine gland models that recapitulate functional sweat secretion and accurately predict the response to chemicals and active compounds.

The overall aim of this PhD studentship project is to develop a novel 3D microfluidic model of the human eccrine gland that mimics essential physiologic processes and predicts the response to pharmacological and chemical compounds.  The student will employ well established human eccrine gland cell lines and state-of-the-art microfabrication methods to engineer an eccrine gland-on-chip model. This system will be benchmarked against known agonists and inhibitors.  In addition, it will be used to investigate the effects of supporting stromal cells on gland function. 

The project represents an exciting training opportunity for a student to develop research skills at the interface of engineering and human biology.  As part of the PreMMIR (Predictive In Vitro Models for Medical Innovation and Research) doctoral training programme, the student will have access to state-of-the-art facilities in both School of Engineering and Materials Science and the School of Medicine and Dentistry (https://www.cpm.qmul.ac.uk).  In addition, collaboration and on-site placements at Unilever will provide excellent professional and industrial experience.

QMUL Research Studentship Details

  • Available to Home/EU & International Applicants.
  • Full Time programme only.
  • Applicant required to start in October 2021*
  • The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (set as £17,609 for 2021/22).
  • 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 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
  • International applicants should refer to the following website at https://www.qmul.ac.uk/international-students/

 

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr John Connelly or Dr Thomas Iskratsch

E-mail: j.connelly@qmul.ac.uk or t.iskratsch@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Medical Engineering programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

Research degrees in Engineering:

http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/engineering.html

Further Guidance: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2020 SEMS *QMRS* *TI*’ 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 Thomas ISKRATSCH.