PhD Research Studentships
Multiscale biomechanics of scarless wound healing
| Supervisor: | Marco PENSALFINI |
| Apply by: | 31 May 2024 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Cutaneous scarring is a leading global health concern, causing the UK National Health Service costs in excess of £5 billion/year [1]. Such a major economic footprint highlights the pressing need to develop effective anti-scarring solutions.
Notably, mammal oral mucosa exhibits regenerative tissue rebuilding [2], offering a unique source of inspiration to develop bioinspired wound treatment options. This project aims to quantify the mechanical and structural characteristics of oral extracellular matrix at multiple post-injury time points using multiscale experimental biomechanics methods [3]. By closely collaborating with leading researchers at Queen Mary’s Blizard Institute, and using state-of-the-art computational modeling techniques [4], we will leverage the obtained knowledge to test the contribution of alternative microenvironmental cues towards determining specific healing outcomes and in view of explaining oral vs. skin tissues’ peculiar scarring phenotypes.
About the Research Group:
We are interested in the interplay of multiscale mechanics and tissue regulation, with a specific focus on largely deformable biomaterials relying on fibre networks, such as connective tissues, epithelia, and their surrogates. Central to our research is the development of novel experimental approaches combining mechanical and optical techniques.
We are committed to offering an inclusive and collaborative research and learning environment that focuses on personal development of all members. Informal enquiries are most welcome! Please direct these to Dr Pensalfini (contact details provided below).
Candidate specification:
The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in some or all of the following areas: experimental or computational mechanics, biomechanics, mechanobiology, continuum mechanics, strain measurements, image analysis, data analysis. Useful skills include a good command of programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, and/or C++.
We are interested in the interplay of multiscale mechanics and regulation, with a specific focus on largely deformable biomaterials relying on fibre networks, such as connective tissues, epithelia, and their surrogates. Central to our research is the development of novel experimental approaches combining mechanical and optical techniques.
Relevant Bibliography:
[1] Guest et al., BMJ Open 5, 2005. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009283
[2] Pereira & Sequeira, Front Cell Dev Biol 9, 2021. DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.682143
[3] Wietecha, Pensalfini et al., Nat Commun 11, 2020. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16409-z
[4] Pensalfini & Buganza-Tepole, PLoS Comput Biol 19, 2023. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010902
Funding
Funded by: EPSRCEPSRC/Doctoral Training Partnership
Funded by: EPSRC
This EPSRC DTP studentship is fully funded and includes a 3.5 years stipend (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa) and 3 years fees at the home level.
Overseas applicants are encouraged to apply, but note that UKRI limit the proportion of international students appointed each year to 30% of the total.
To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
- Have settled status, or
- Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
- Have indefinite leave to remain
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classified as an International student (as advised above, this year UKRI announced that there will be a limited number of studentships for international students available).
There is further guidance on UKRI Eligibility Criteria, within in Annex One of the International Eligibility Guidance. (www.ukri.org/publications/eu-and-international-eligibilit...)
Overseas applicants are encouraged to apply, but note that UKRI limit the proportion of international students appointed each year to 30% of the total.
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 Marco PENSALFINI.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Medical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-594" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://marco-pensalfini.gitlab.io/ | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Biophysics, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Solid Mechanics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Biomechanics, Dentistry, Tissue Engineering |