Prof Martin Hegner
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
The project focuses on label-free bioanalytics and diagnostic studies with MEMS platforms developed in CRANN.
The molecular biomarkers of interest are non-coding RNA molecules (miRNA) that are indicative of micro-organism infections in the blood stream. The infection of patients by microorganism can lead to serious complications and can be affected by antibiotic resistance.
We detect individual microorganism growing on specific analytical interfaces that reveal antbiotic resistance within minutes. The interaction of the microorganism with its host leads to specific quantities of short non-coding nucleic-acids (miRNA) in the blood stream. We detect these in vitro, label-free in serum within minutes using dynamic or static MEMS sensors. We are interested in quantitative automated data evaluation for clinical analysis. Equipment is state-of-the-art and developed in-house with microfluidic systems and controlled by LabVIEW hard - / and software.
check also webpage: http://www.tcd.ie/Physics/people/Martin.Hegner/index.html
Funding Notes
A doctoral position for a biophysisicst with a background in biology is available by July 2017 in the School of Physics / Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN). Minimum grade to conduct a PhD at Trinity College is 2.1.
The interdisciplinary project is fully funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and is conducted in collaboration wit the St. James hospital in Dublin.
References
The European candidate must have an education in a biological field preferably in microbiology. A physics related education with some exposure to biology is also fine.
He/she is expected to have expertise and a final year project in an applied experimental interdisciplinary field. Experience in LabVIEW programming is a plus.
He/she is highly motivated, independent, a ‘team payer’ and has a strong background in interdisciplinary experimental techniques. Excellent verbal, written, and listening skills including demonstrated ability to work well with other people as part of a scientific collaboration and excellent organisational and administrative skills are required.
Applications have to include a cover letter with a statement of motivation, a curriculum vitae with a list of publications and the names and contact information of at least three referees. Applications/enquiries should be sent to Martin Hegner
If you are interested, please send your CV, application letter and the name of three referees to:
Prof. Dr. Martin Hegner,
School of Physics / CRANN
Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
E-mail: martin.hegner@tcd.ie