PhD Research Studentships
Bottom-up synthetic biology and artificial cells and scaffolds
| Supervisors: | Stoyan SMOUKOV and Julien GAUTROT |
| Apply by: | 31 January 2024 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Artificial cells are a promising platform for both biotechnology and to answer fundamental questions about the abiotic origin of life. With our discovery of artificial morphogenesis we are uniquely poised to explore a minimum number of component systems that can act as artificial cells. We are working at the cutting edge of science and developing new fields, such as active matter and bottom-up synthetic biology. We have shown that many complex functions including reproduction, shape definition and movement are achieved with only two chemical components. These are described in prominent recent articles (e.g. in Nature Physics https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-021-01291-3, book chapter https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2207.07225).
These phenomena are highly sensitive to the interfacial layer ordering as well as the phase transitions observed in confined small volumes. We will attempt to understand phase transitions and mechanisms to make the processes controllable and efficient. The PhD will work in an interdisciplinary group and be exposed to both experimental and theoretical nanoscience. We will also attempt in collaboration to use our synthetic biology platform to grow biological cells for industrial processes and bioreactors. We will use an array of techniques, incl. x-ray diffraction, quartz-crystal microbalance with electrochemistry, dynamic light scattering, interfacial rheology, fluorescence microscopy, etc.
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
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 Stoyan SMOUKOV or Julien GAUTROT.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Chemical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-562" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=cMmRfYYAAAAJ | |
| SEMS Research Centres: | ||
| Keywords: | Biophysics, Evolution, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Experimental Physics |