Imaging nanoprobes and technologies to enable the clinical translation of cell-based therapies

This PhD studentship aims to develop Magnetic Nanoparticle Imaging (MPI) tracers for image guided cell therapy tracking of Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells (ADRCs). MPI is a new imaging modality which uses magnetic field gradients to detect nanomolar concentrations of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle (SPION) tracers in vivo. The University of Liverpool is home to the MOMENTUM MPI scanner from Magnetic Insight Inc. It is equipped with software packages for advanced magnetic material optimisation, image reconstruction and signal enhancement studies; this package of equipment capability is unique to UoL. ADRCs have the potential to be effective cell-based therapies in patients having already shown excellent positive effects on damaged kidneys in rodent animals. The purpose of this PhD studentship is to us MPI to  study the safety and effectiveness of ADRCs, with the view to progress the therapy to 'first-in-man' clinical trials for two specific indications: ameliorating renal injury in kidneys retrieved from deceased elderly donors, and in patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair.

It is of increasing importance from an employability perspective to develop skills and knowledge across the broadest range of scientific disciplines. The project is truly multidisciplinary and will develop skills across a range of scientific disciplines. The candidate will receive hands on training across several types of synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry and analysis. They will develop skills in cell culture and assay development while also will learn imaging techniques, in particular MPI but also complementary imaging modalities such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT). This allows for a complete programme of study, i.e. where the candidate will oversee all aspects of the project development, allowing them to develop their project management skills and communication skills across different disciplines. The student will receive significant support across all areas ensuring all skills will be developed as the project progresses. Likewise, the candidate will be exposed to research communities through the networks provided by the team of supervisors across a range of materials science, biological sciences an imaging-based conferences and seminars. The candidate will be able to attend training courses through The Academy across a wide range of areas, including scientific writing, management training, EDI development and scientific writing. Finally, the Magnetic Particle Imaging Scanner is the first and only scanner of its kind in the UK and Europe, and so this PhD studentship will be completely unique and right at the forefront of cutting-edge scientific research.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be made by emailing [Email Address Removed] with:

·        a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees);

·         a covering letter – clearly stating your first choice project, and optionally 2^nd ranked project, as well as including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application; you may wish to indicate, for example, why you are particularly interested in the selected project(s) and at the selected University;

·        copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates;

·        a copy of you IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required);

·        a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE AT https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply. Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

In addition to the above items, please email a completed copy of the Additional Details Form (as a Word document) to [Email Address Removed]. A blank copy of this form can be found at: https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply.

Informal enquiries may be made to [Email Address Removed]

The deadline for all applications is 12noon on Monday 9^th January 2023.