Development of 3D Isotropic Functional Imaging for Bioengineered Neuronal Cultures

Start Date: 16/09/2019

Supervisors: Dr Simon Ameer-Beg and Dr Andrea Serio

We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate with a physical science background to develop a novel light sheet based fluorescence lifetime imaging platform.

We propose to develop a 3D imaging platform for fluorescence lifetime imaging with isotropic resolution to visualise fast molecular dynamics linked to neuronal activity within live bioengineered human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) derived neural cultures. For the first time, we will acquire quantitative fluorescence imaging data from live stem-cell derived neurons in 3D cultures with a massively parallel video-rate multifocal multiphoton system for fluorescence lifetime imaging employing a truly isotropic light-sheet modality. This new imaging platform will allow to acquire quantitative data on calcium, voltage, ATP metabolisms and any other fast-changing dynamic process that directly affects neuronal activity, directly within live cells through simultaneous imaging of large volumes.

The studentship will be based at Guy’s campus in the well-equipped optical development labs of Dr Ameer-Beg with access to the newly formed Microscopy Innovation Centre. The project is a collaboration with a small company and an industrial placement of up to 3 months will be undertaken during the studentship.

Interest in, or experience of, lasers, biophysics, optics, imaging and computer programming is desirable. No prior biological experience is expected since training will be provided in the Serio Lab.

Applications are invited from students with a good honours degree in the physical sciences. Application by CV and Cover Letter to the Supervisor, Dr Simon Ameer-Beg.