Advanced 3D lung models for studying inhaled particle toxicity

The project will employ 3D lung models that include the epithelial barrier, immune cells (macrophages or neutrophils) and fibroblasts, grown at an air liquid interface (ALI) to represent the lung surface. The 3D ALI model will be exposed to a variety of environmental and work place nanoparticles in order to assess the lung response and to generate data relevant to human safety. Exposures will extend from the single short term models to repeated exposures over several days in order to better reflect real life exposure scenarios. The study will investigate the duration over which the model remains viable and representative of the intact lung response. Endpoints will extend from the standard assessments of cytotoxicity and inflammation to incorporate cutting-edge phenotypic markers of disease in order to advance our understanding of disease induction and risk.
Supervisor: Prof. Vicki Stone, [Email Address Removed]

The Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3) is an excellent environment for PhD research. The institute applies advances in the chemical, physical, and engineering sciences to enable and enhance life science research. The interdisciplinary research interests and state-of-the-art facilities provide a unique environment for integrative research.
We aim to maintain a world-leading centre of excellence, building on a strong foundation of genuine inter-disciplinary research, a strong and diverse funding record and an extensive extra-mural collaborative network.

Requirements
All applicants must have or expect to have a 1st class MChem, MPhys, MSci, MEng or equivalent degree by Autumn 2018. Selection will be based on academic excellence and research potential, and all short-listed applicants will be interviewed (in person or by Skype). DTP’s are only open to UK/EU applicants.

Closing Date
All applications must be received by Wedesday 31st January 2018. All successful candidates must commence studies by Saturday 1st December 2018 at the very latest.

How to Apply

Apply Online: https://hwacuk.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Admissions/Pages/Login.aspx

When applying through the Heriot-Watt on-line system please ensure you provide the following information:
(a) in ‘Study Option’
You will need to select ‘Edinburgh’ and ‘Postgraduate Research’. ‘Programme’ presents you with a drop-down menu. Choose Chemistry PhD, Physics PhD, Chemical Engineering PhD, Mechanical Engineering PhD or Electrical PhD as appropriate and select October 2018 for study option (this can be updated at a later date if required)
(b) in ‘Research Project Information’
You will be provided with a free text box for details of your research project. Enter Title and Reference number of the project for which you are applying and also enter the supervisor’s name.

This information will greatly assist us in tracking your application. Please note that once you have submitted your application, it will not be considered until you have uploaded your CV and transcripts.