Functional human neural networks grown on 3D laser printed scaffolds

Applications are invited from ambitious, self-motivated candidates to conduct research for a PhD using three dimensional printed scaffolds to enable the development of functional human stem cell derived neural networks. The successful candidate will join an active multidisciplinary collaborative research environment between the School of Life and Health Sciences and Aston Institute of Photonics. This opportunity is open to UK and EU students who have at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Photonics or a related subject.
Background:
The last 10 years has seen a revolution in Biology and in Photonics Engineering. Namely, the development of methods to derive specific types of cells e.g. neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and in photonics, the development of 2 Photon Polymerisation (3D laser printing), which allows microfabrication of substrates with submicron resolution. In the brain, neurons function in defined 3D networks where the specific cellular and synaptic relationships are critical for effective function. To emulate human neuronal network function in culture, it is therefore necessary to grow them in three dimensions.
Project:
The aim of the project is to determine how 3D scaffold structure affects neuronal network architecture and function. This will involve 3D printing, growth of iPSC derived neurons and functional electrophysiological and calcium imaging of neuronal networks. A knowledge of coding/programming, cell culture or electrophysiological measurement would be an advantage, full training in other aspects will be provided within the multidisciplinary environment at Aston.

The project would suit a biologist with an interest in 3D printing applications or an engineer with interest in neural network function. The student will also interact with the wider international membership of the recently awarded European FET consortium, MESO-Brain, which comprises Neuroscientists, Stem Cell biologists, Physicists and Photonics experts. (https://www.mesobrain.eu).

This studentship provides an outstanding opportunity for a graduate to pursue research in a cutting edge field of neuro-photonics and engineered neural networks, which has profound future scientific and medical potential in the investigation of disease mechanism such as Alzheimer’s.
Financial Support:
The studentship comprises the current RCUK tax-free stipend of £14,553 p.a. and payment of Home/EU tuition fees only. The studentship is available for three years, subject to satisfactory progress review at the end of the first year with an anticipated Registration date of 1st October 2017.
Application Requirements:
● Eligible Applicants should hold at least a Bachelor (Hons.) Degree of either 1st Class/ 2.1 or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
● EU Applicants will need to demonstrate adequate proficiency in English Language skills, with a minimum overall score of 93 (Internet Based) (with a minimum score in each section of: R: 18, W: 23, L: 19 and S: 19) in TOEFL or IELTS with minimum marks of 6.0 in each section and an overall band of 6.5.
● Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Rhein Parri: [Email Address Removed] / 0121 204 4049.
● To apply please complete the on-line application form at
http://www1.aston.ac.uk/lhs/research/postgraduate-research/apply/ (Select: ‘Full Time Research Biomedical Sciences’ Programme) quoting the Reference: ‘EPSRC_DTP_Parri’ on all applications.

The Closing Date for all applications is: Sunday, 23rd July 2017.