PhD Studentship in Biosciences – Developing Single-Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques to Investigate Cell Signal Transduction

Number of awards

1

Start date and duration

Project Start Date: September 2020
The funding covers a three year PhD.

Overview

Interested in working across the life and physical sciences? Optical microscopy is going through a revolution with new techniques that now allow individual molecules to be imaged inside living cells. This project will develop this cutting edge single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to investigate how cells sense and respond to signals in their environment.

You will play an integral role in the design and construction of a single-molecule fluorescence microscope, as well as the associated image analysis software. New, cutting-edge imaging capabilities will be added, including molecular biosensors and 3D microscopy, whilst developing the software to exploit new technology such as machine learning. Model cell systems, including yeast and mammalian cell lines will be used to image different parts of the signal transduction pathway and to answer key questions concerning intercellular communication from activation of membrane protein receptors through to the transcription factors switching genes on and off.

Complete interdisciplinary training will be provided in optics, computational image analysis, molecular biology and biophysics. These techniques have broad scientific applicability and are at the forefront of bioimaging.

Please contact [Email Address Removed] for any more information or queries.

Sponsor

The studentship is funded by the Newcastle University Academic Track (NUAcT) Fellowship scheme

Name of supervisor(s)

Dr Adam Wollman

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent, in a subject relating to biophysics, including biology and physics but other subjects considered. Programming skills or demonstrable drive to learn is desirable. A further qualification such as an MSc or MRes is advantageous.

This award is available to UK/EU and international applicants.

To study this course you need to meet the following English Language requirements:

IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills).

Newcastle is committed to promoting diversity, and we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. Part-time study option are available.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system https://bit.ly/2D4K2yx

Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However, you will need to include the following information:
• insert the programme code 8300F in the programme of study section
• select ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences – Biosciences’ as the programme of study
• insert the studentship code bi001 in the studentship/partnership reference field
• attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the studentship reference code bi001 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
• attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications

Please also send a copy of your CV and cover letter to [Email Address Removed]



Contact

For further details, please contact:
Dr Adam Wollman
Newcastle University Biosciences Institute https://bit.ly/2XJCzPb
E-mail: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 8796