PhD Research Studentships

Multimodal bioelectronic sensor development for real-time monitoring of the brain tumour microenvironment

Supervisor: Christopher CHAPMAN
Apply by:3 April 2024
Start in:September (Semester 1)

Description

Project background:

Approximately 25,000 people in the U.K. are diagnosed with brain tumours annually. Surgical resection is the primary method of treatment, however accurately identifying tumour margins during removal is extremely challenging. Due to this challenge, most brain tumours recur within 2 cm of the surgery site. The current low-resolution and low-frequency post operative monitoring techniques can lead to late detection of tumour recurrence resulting in unnecessary progression of the disease. This project aims to develop improved monitoring capabilities using bioelectronic devices that can enable real-time data output to monitor the post-surgery brain tumour microenvironment.

Candidate specification:

In this PhD project, the successful candidate will develop bioelectronic sensors capable of measuring multiple signal modalities from in vitro models of the brain tumour microenvironment using electrical sensing techniques such as:

  • Neural recording
  • Impedance measurement
  • Electrochemical sensing

Combining bioelectronics and in vitro model fabrication, the PhD student will gain key skills in state-of-the-art chemical synthesis, laser-based fabrication, and advanced tissue culture methods.

The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in any of the following subject areas: bioelectronics, electrochemistry, microfabrication, or in vitro cancer models. As part of this project, candidates will benefit from close collaboration with world-leading academic, clinical, and industrial research partners.

Research group:

The newly formed Continuous Advanced Recording of Cancer lab (CARClab) is led by Dr. Christopher Chapman and is focused on the development of novel biosensing devices for early detection of cancer. My research group is committed to facilitating a creative and collaborative research environment focused on PhD student development. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly to discuss potential applications informally (see contact details below).

Funding

Funded by: Queen Mary Research
UK students only.
This studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provide 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

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 September (Semester 1).

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Christopher CHAPMAN.

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-533" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Related website:https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/c.chapman
Keywords:Cancer Biology, Polymer Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Polymers, Data Analysis, Neural Engineering