Development of combined Scanning Ion Conductance microscopy and Tip-Enhanced Raman spectroscopy to study the dissolution of insulin granules

This studentship aims to develop a hybrid Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) and Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering (TERS) instrumentation. PhD student will then use SICM-TERS to study molecular interactions between insulin and zinc during insulin granule dissolution. In all animals, including human, insulin is stored in granular form where two Zn2+ ions coordinate six insulin monomers to form the hexameric-structure. Insulin is the only hormone that controls blood sugar levels and the dysfunction in insulin secretion causes type 2 diabetes. Successful completion of the project will result in the new imaging technique that will enable highly important research in diabetes which is currently impossible.

This is 4-year PhD studentship fully funded by the Institute of Chemical Biology (ICB) open to UK residents only (residency counts as having been living in the UK for three years or more - this does include if you have studied here for three years or more and have no restriction on your stay in the UK). The project would ideally suit an outstanding, technically minded graduate in optics/plasmonics/engineering, with keen interest in the development and application of live imaging techniques to biomedical problems. Experience and interest in programming of control systems e.g. LabView would be highly advantageous. Comprehensive training in all relevant aspects of SICM, Raman spectroscopy and cell biology will be provided.

This research will be conducted under the supervision of Dr Andrew Shevchuk (Department of Medicine), Dr Joshua Edel (Department of Chemistry). Applicants must have obtained a first or upper second class degree from a UK University or the overseas equivalent in public health, social sciences, health policy or other relevant discipline, and demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing research in this field. A Masters degree is preferable but not essential. Applicants must also meet Imperial College’s English language requirements – further details can be found at: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/admissions/pgenglish.

This studentship is open to both home/EU and overseas students. It includes payment of home/EU fees and an annual stipend of approximately £17,500. Overseas students should be able to demonstrate adequate financial support to cover the difference between the home/EU fee and the overseas fee.

Enquiries and full applications including up-to-date curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of two academic referees should be sent to Dr Andrew Shevchuk: [Email Address Removed]. The PhD will start on the 1st October 2015.