PhD Research Studentships

Volumetric Optical Stimulation for In vitro Tissue Remodelling

Supervisor:
Apply by:31 July 2023
Start in:September (Semester 1)

Description

Manufacturing a functional human organ requires the ability to produce highly complex 3D multi-vascular networks with high spatial resolution for transport, as well as the ability to incorporate spatial patterning of a multitude of matrix compositions and cell types within the entire volume of the printed scaffold to deliver localized tissue-specific physiological function. The former has been addressed extensively in prior work by Dr Heidari and colleagues with the use of light-based additive processes utilizing spatial light modulators and volumetric photo-patterning of photo-responsive gels. The latter is currently the principal barrier to achieving functional organs.

Larger tissues and organs host multiple cell types that develop and differentiate from smaller cellular clusters and aggregates. The differentiation specificity and tissue growth and development are triggered by environmental stimuli such as mechanical stresses, growth factors, oxygen levels and many other localized biomolecular events that regulate gene expression. These biomolecules, quenchers and growth factors can be activated and deactivated with light. The idea we will pursue in this project is to selectively initiate and inhibit these events across the entire volume of our printed cellular scaffolds to trigger the localized development of tissue in certain regions of our 3D volume using tomographic exposure and Computed Axial Stimulation (CAS). A background in either or multiple of the following areas is desirable: Cell biology, cell culture, 3D printing and AM, biomaterials, photochemistry, polymer engineering, and tissue engineering.

Research group: The Volumetric Biomodulation Lab (VBL) conducts world-leading research in the intersection of state-of-art light-based additive bioprinting technologies and predictive multi-scale in vitro models of human tissue. We focus on techniques to manufacture extreme tissue microenvironments with composite biopolymers to produce 3D models of human tissues and organs. Our work has resulted in numerous US patents and peer-reviewed publications, including papers in journals such as Science, Bioprinting, Biomicrofluidics and Electrophoresis, has been funded by UC Berkeley, SPIE, BASF and CHEMINAS, and has been featured in the Washington Post, the Guardian, Nature, Science and MIT Tech Review.

Funding

The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to 3 years (set at £20,622 for 2023/24).

Eligibility

  • Available to applicants with UK Home Fee Status and international applicants if willing to make up the difference in fees between home and international rates. (See: http://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details of UK Home status)
  • 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 from October 2023

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Hossein Heidari, E-mail: h.heidari@qmul.ac.uk

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

Funding

Funded by: Queen Mary Research
UK students only.
• Full Time programme only.
• Applicant required to start in September/October 2023
• The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to 3 years (set at £20,622 for 2023/24).

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 September (Semester 1).
  • 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 .

Apply

Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Medical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-512" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

SEMS Research Centre:
Bioengineering
Keywords:Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Applied Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, Toxicology