Tissue engineering design of a synthetic liver scaffolds to advance the understanding of liver disease

Applications are invited for postgraduate research leading to a PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering within the subject area of Tissue Engineering.

Tissue engineering has shown great potential in the treatment and understanding of a large number of degenerative ailments, including osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease, through the design of biological scaffolds using both synthetic biodegradable polyesters and naturally occurring extracellular matrix materials.

This research focuses on using similar techniques to develop synthetic based tissue engineered liver scaffolds to advance the treatment and understanding of liver disease.

 The project will be carried out at the Institute for BioEngineering (IBioE). The student will attain skills in biomaterial design, fabrication, characterisation and cell culture, using techniques such as; Scanning electron microscopy, Nano-indentation, mechanical property testing, ELISA and real time-RT-PCR etc. These skills will be essential for a student perusing industrial careers in the biomedical sector; in addition they will be important for an academic career in Tissue Engineering/Biomedical Engineering.

Eligibility: 

To undertake this research, we are seeking a motivated candidate with an honors degree at 2:1 or above in any of these areas, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, synthetic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related discipline.

Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree.

Funding: 

Applications are welcomed from self-funded students, or students who are applying for scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or elsewhere.

Competition funding opportunities available – please enquire.