Applications are invited for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship to be held in the research group of Dr Katelyn Spillane at King’s College London. The position is available from October 2022.
The project
Cells can function in a wide range of physiological contexts by sensing and adapting to their surroundings. Research in our lab aims to understand how cellular behaviour is influenced by physical properties of their environment. We focus specifically on B cells, which are white blood cells that produce antibodies to neutralise pathogens that cause disease. We have recently found that B cells change their behaviour based upon mechanical signals they receive from neighbouring cells, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these responses are not known. Using cutting-edge techniques such as molecular force sensors and single-molecule fluorescence imaging, we aim to investigate how B cells detect physical properties of their surroundings and respond to them by activating biochemical signalling pathways that ultimately determine B cell behaviour.
Candidates
Students should have a keen interest in experimental work using fluorescence microscopy and biophysical methods to investigate problems in cell biology. Experience with cell biology techniques, fluorescence imaging, and/or quantitative image analysis would be advantageous.
At King’s and within the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences, we welcome all applicants and are deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities so that the university is inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to study, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. The University and the Faculty are committed to Athena Swan Awards, King’s Race Equality Charter engagement, our participation in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, and support for those with disabilities.
Application procedure
Interested candidates should initially contact the supervisor (Katelyn Spillane, [Email Address Removed]) with a transcript, CV, and motivation letter expressing interest in the project. Informal enquiries are encouraged.
In the application portal, select the “Physics Research MPhil/PhD (Full-Time)” programme. In the research proposal section, please state that you would like to be considered for the Biological Physics and Soft Matter pathway.
Further information on the application procedure and how to apply is available on the King’s website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply
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