Applicants are invited to apply for a fully-funded PhD studentship on a highly interdisciplinary project at the nexus of soft tissue repair, nanotechnology, and biomaterials in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London starting October 2014. The training will take place in the laboratory of Dr. Ben Almquist, and the successful candidate will be awarded a tax-free stipend and EU/home fees for three years. Funding is available to UK/EU citizens only.
Description
Tissue repair is a complex process that involves the intricate spatiotemporal coordination of numerous signals and cells. This project aims to develop materials-based strategies for manipulating this process and improving the overall functional outcome of tissue repair. The successful applicant will be tasked with developing a new nanotechnology-based platform and its subsequent integration with advanced scaffold fabrication techniques including 3D printing. This platform will allow the candidate to begin to elucidate the key spatial and temporal signals necessary for driving the healing of chronic skin wounds, reducing excessive fibrosis, and modulating other dermal complications. In the end, the PhD student will master a wide range of techniques including, but not limited to, nanofabrication, molecular biology, biophysical/materials characterization, 3D printing for tissue engineering, and cell/tissue culture.
Due to the highly interdisciplinary nature of the project, exceptional candidates from a wide range of backgrounds will be considered including bioengineering, biology, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, and any related discipline. Irrespective of the background, candidates should be self-motivated, enjoy hands-on work, and have a highly inquisitive nature. Applicants should possess (or be expected to receive) at minimum upper second-class honours or the equivalent, with candidates possessing first class honours and prior interdisciplinary bio-related research experience or nucleic acid-based research experience especially encouraged to apply. In addition, women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The successful applicant will be trained to become a skilled interdisciplinary scientist, with opportunities available to engage global collaborators, attend international conferences, and publish high-quality research articles.
To apply for this position, please send your CV, copy of transcripts, and a research statement to Dr. Almquist at almquist@mit.edu. Statements that include why this project focus appeals to you, how it will help you achieve your career goals, and/or a stimulating viewpoint on a scientific topic of strong personal interest are especially encouraged.
Applications received by May 5th, 2014 will receive priority consideration, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Nr of positions available : 1
Research Fields
Engineering - Biomedical engineering
Biological sciences - Biological engineering
Engineering - Biomaterial engineering
Engineering - Materials Engineering
Career Stage
Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)
Research Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Comment/web site for additional job details
Almquist Lab: http://www.almquistlab.com
PhD Flyer: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/bioengineering/courses/phd/studentships
05/05/2014
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