We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate for a 3.5-years PhD Scholarship at the University of Glasgow starting from October 2021. The PhD student will work across the Extreme Light and Imaging Concepts Groups at the School of Physics and Astronomy in a fully funded position.
Our team applies cutting-edge optical microscopy techniques to push the boundaries in the life sciences. Using the latest developments in laser technologies and highly sensitive detectors we are able to image living tissue in ways never before possible. New ultrashort-pulse lasers and non-diffractive beams allow us to image deeper into tissue and study biological effects with major impacts in future medical science and treatments. The new field of optogenetics allows us to control individual neurons using light.
The focus of this PhD project will be to develop advanced microscopy methods to help investigate cardiac conduction deep inside the heart. The PhD student will play a central role in the development and implementation of novel illumination and optogenetic stimulation geometries in a multiphoton microscope using non-diffracting beams. Through this microscopy electric wavefront propagation can be quantified in mouse hearts. The ultimate aim is to study how arrhythmias (hearth rhythm problems) arise in healthy hearts and those affected by myocardial infarction (heart attack). This research will have direct impact on how we treat cardiovascular diseases which are a large cause of death worldwide.
This project is ideal for a postgraduate student with an interest in applying cutting-edge optical microscopy techniques to push the boundaries in the life sciences. The project will give you the opportunity to join a friendly, supportive and enthusiastic team for a truly interdisciplinary research project that can be tailored to your particular interests and strengths. You will work collaboratively with several groups to gain a wide range of skills that combine advanced nonlinear microscopy systems, ultrafast optics and cardiac electrophysiology and receive further training opportunities as part of the SUPA (Scottish Universities Physics Alliance) partnership.
Based in the School of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Science and Engineering, you will join the team of Dr Caroline Müllenbroich that is focused on novel microscopy techniques for cardiac imaging, with research areas including functional & structural imaging, optogenetic stimulation and advanced microscopy development. Dr Müllenbroich’s research is part of a diverse and exciting wider research environment with collaborations within the University of Glasgow including the Imaging Concepts Group (Dr Jonny Taylor and Prof Andy Harvey), the Extreme Light group (Prof Daniele Faccio) and the Ultrafast Nonlinear Optics group (Dr Matteo Clerici). In addition to these groups based in Physics and Engineering, you will work in close collaboration with Prof Godfrey Smith, a leading expert in cardiac electrophysiology.
It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment. We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality. As an Athena SWAN Silver Award holder, the School of Physics has equality, diversity and inclusion at its heart, and actively supports applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility:
The ideal candidate is a Physics or Engineering graduate, with 2:1 or higher (or equivalent) degree with ideally experience in experimental optics and a passion for interdisciplinary collaborative working in physics and life sciences.
How to Apply:
Please apply online via our Physics and Astronomy Graduate School: gla.ac.uk/schools/physics/research/postgraduate
Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply: gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/physicsastronomy
If you have any questions on the project or the application process, please contact Caroline Müllenbroich: [Email Address Removed].