Microfluidics for single cell processing.

Routine processes such as the generation, mixing, and temporal control of mass transport between flowing droplets in a microfluidic environment have proved either difficult (e.g., when many discrete reactions are required in a pre-defined sequence) or impossible to achieve (e.g., when mass transport between flowing droplets needs to be temporally controlled). A wide range of biotechnology applications would benefit from passive techniques that allow processes with many tens of steps to occur through droplet merging in a temporally-controlled manner; such applications include studies involving the analysis of molecules in single cells (e.g., single-cell RT-PCR, RNA-seq), cell-cell or molecule-cell or ligand-protein communication (e.g., screening of potential drugs that interfere with ligand binding), protein crystallization (when hundreds of different conditions are screened), and size separation of small particles and volumes. This research concerns the development of a novel methodologies that allows numerous sequential reactions, precise temporal control, and transfer between micro- and nano-litre volumes of fluid. The project will be a collaboration with biologists with target applications in single cell analysis.

Candidates must apply through the University of Oxford graduate application process. Candidates must have completed, or expect to complete before undertaking the position, an undergraduate degree/Masters in Engineering/Physics or closely related discipline and achieved a 1st/2nd class honours degree.

Prior to formal submission to the University of Oxford graduate application system, candidates may send their CV’s to [Email Address Removed] for further details on the proposed projects. Any emails that appear to be generic in nature will be deleted and no response will be provided.