Nature uses sophisticated strategies to control and eradicate microbial cells. A major scientific challenge is to translate these approaches to artificially synthesised systems. This is an opportunity for a 3.5-year PhD position to understand the fundamental surface-cell interactions and events that control the attachment and adhesion of cells to surfaces and their subsequence multiplication to create complex communities.
This project will create precision biomimetic surfaces and measure their interactions with single microbial cells in order to understand nanoscale aspects of cell-surface interactions, adhesion and cell-cell communication at surfaces. The PhD programme brings together expertise in nanoscale surface assembly and characterisation, cell-surface interaction probes, microbiology and imaging across physical and biological sciences.
The PhD student will be based at the Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, within the Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces and the Surface Science Research Centre, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for precision surface assembly and characterisation. The Centre for Cell Imaging is a world-class resource for all aspects of biological imaging, allowing real-time imaging of biological responses, from single molecules to multicellular structures.
The PhD combines interdisciplinary science and global innovation. The Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces is at the forefront of translating nanoscale scientific knowledge into innovation and is one of the four core partners of the £23M National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC) (www.biofilms.ac.uk).
The student will enrol in NBIC’s Doctoral Training Centre which trains interdisciplinary PhD researchers at the Interface of Physical and Life Sciences to understand the behaviour of microbes at surfaces that are central to the global challenges of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Health, Food Security, Clean Water and Energy.
Eligibility: This position is open to UK students only with the equivalent of at least a 2.1 Honours degree in Biophysics, Chemistry, Biosciences, Materials Science or Bio-engineering. An interview will be undertaken with suitable candidates before an offer is made. Fees and a stipend for 3.5 years will be paid provided eligibility is met.
How to apply: Applicants should apply by e-mailing Lucy Jones (email: [Email Address Removed]).
You should submit an up to date CV and cover letter with names of at least 2 academic referees.
Candidates will be evaluated as applications are received, and the position may be filled before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.
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