Uncontrolled accumulation of microorganisms (biofouling) and microbial activity is becoming an immense societal challenge in which antifouling and antimicrobial surfaces are at the frontline. They aim to prevent infections, fouling, and corrosion that otherwise lead to the products failure in their intended use. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls urgently for new solutions to tackle the antimicrobial resistance problem (AMR), as we are approaching an era where common infections could kill again.
Recently, a new class of materials has emerged based on bioinspired (e.g., cicada wings) antimicrobial nanopatterns. Such surfaces repel or kill microbes upon contact by imparting mechanical forces to the cell membrane – a physical approach as this is safer and more sustainable than chemicals and should not induce AMR. This project aims to deepen mechanistic understanding on how such surfaces operate to ultimately, provide guidelines how to engineer the interactions mechanics between the bacteria cells and nano/micropatterns. Such results can be further translated into e.g., killing maximisation, which is required to meet certain applications at the clinical setting.
The research will have a multidisciplinary character spanning surface nano/micropatterning (preparation of various substrates/pattern geometries via, e.g., soft and nanoimprint lithography) and looking at the bio-interfaces when materials are subjected to the bacteria cells under static and dynamic conditions. Various imaging techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy) will be employed to gain insights into the interactions (e.g., quantifying forces at play). The candidate will be embedded within a multidisciplinary research team at UCL and will also have opportunities to collaborate with leading technology companies.
The position will begin at the Bloomsbury campus (1st year), after which most of the activities will be transferred to the newly established, state-of-the-art experimental laboratories in the Manufacturing Futures Labs (MFL) at UCL EAST campus (Stratford). The MFL will be ideally suited to host the project as an interdepartmental shared space, designed to work across disciplines of Biochemical, Chemical and Mechanical Engineering, and Chemistry. The candidate will benefit from various expertise and instruments. Furthermore, the candidate will be encouraged to publish work in leading journals and present findings in national/international conferences.
Person specification:
- Applicants are preferred to have a first-class undergraduate and master’s degrees (or equivalent) in Mechanical/Material/Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline.
- Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, along with a stated interest in interdisciplinary research, are essential.
- Experience/background in nano/micro-fabrication, cell culture, and/or solid mechanics would be desirable.
- Fluency and clarity in spoken English as well as good written English in accordance with UCL English requirements (TOEFL>92 or IELTS>6.5).
How to apply:
Eligible applicants should first contact Dr Martyna Michalska ([Email Address Removed]). Please enclose a one-page statement outlining suitability for the project and two pages CV (including contact details of two referees). The supervisory team (Dr Martyna Michalska and Prof. Ioannis Papakonstantinou) will arrange interviews for short-listed candidates.
After interview, the successful candidate will be given instructions to formally apply online via the UCL website.
Application Closing date: 05 December 2022
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