PhD Studentship in Mechanical Engineering - Experimental Cell Mechanics to Understand Disease progression

Number of awards:

1

Start date and duration:

September/October 2018 for 4 years.

Overview:

Mechanical properties of cells affect many aspects of cell function, including mechanotransduction, migration, and differentiation. Consequently, cellular mechanical properties are essential for a wide range of biological processes within cells associated with cancerous condition of cell. The student will work with one of the best atomic force microscope (AFM) within the UK and other high resolution imaging techniques to reveal cell mechanics.

The key objectives of this project: 1) use the AFM to study how diseases and drugs would affect cellular and subcellular mechanics; 2) use the AFM to study cell-cell adhesion and cell-materials adhesion; 3) use the confocal microscopy and imaging analysis techniques to reveal how diseases and drugs regulate cellular structures.

The student will also have opportunities to do placement at National University of Singapore (NUS). The student will be well supported by other members at Dr. Chen’s group. Dr Chen’s group has two very capable post-doctoral research associates (previously worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and National University of Singapore) and seven PhD students.

Sponsor

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

Name of supervisor(s)

Dr Jinju Chen (https://bit.ly/2FdNDca), School of Engineering (https://bit.ly/2HWu5w3), Newcastle University (https://bit.ly/2HtMory).

Eligibility Criteria

All applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a 2:1 or first-class degree in a Biomedical engineering, Chemical engineering, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, computing or related science and engineering disciplines. The applicants should also have a strong interest in pursuing research in this field.

Additional research experience relevant to the area of research is also advantageous. Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 with no sub-test of less than 6.

International Students are welcome to apply but additional top-up fees may be required.

How to apply:

You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system. To do this please ‘Create a new account’ (https://bit.ly/2vHviEP).

All relevant fields should be completed, but fields marked with a red asterisk must to be completed. The following information will help us to process your application. You will need to:
•insert the programme code 8090F in the programme of study section
•select ‘PhD Mechanical Engineering (full time) - Mechanical and Systems Engineering’ as the programme of study
•insert the studentship code ENG026 in the studentship/partnership reference field
•attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code ENG026 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
•attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.

Please email your CV with qualification details and contact details of two referees to Dr Jinju Chen (https://bit.ly/2FdNDca), School of Engineering (https://bit.ly/2HWu5w3).