PhD Position (starting Spring Semester 2014, 36 months by research) in the area of computational and experimental biophysics and delivery of nanotherapeutic agents with a focus on the development of computational methods to study the penetration of nano-scale drugs through mucous tissues and their experimental validation. The project will involve training on discrete and continuum mathematical models for drug delivery as well as imaged-based experimental methods to measure diffusivity of nanoparticles. As part of this program an emphasis will be placed upon collaborative aspects with the successful candidate cooperating with other PhD students and post-doctoral fellows across the project as the work builds. Research secondment at other partner institutes and active participation in high caliber training and educational activities within the network will enhance the overall output quality.

Description

The successful candidate is expected to be a highly motivated PhD candidate, able to work in a hihgly competitive environment and exposed to multidisciplinary and inter-sectoral challenges. The scientific project will involve the development of stochastic models to predict the diffusivity of nanoparticles based on the micro-structural characteristics of the mucus (viscosity, fiber diameter and volume fraction) and the physical properties of the particles (size, surface charge or shape), taking whenever possible into account steric, hydrodynamic and electrostatic interactions between the nanoparticles and the fibers: Representative volume elements (RVEs) will be constructed in silico to provide a statistical representation of the mucus microstructure. A random walk approach will be employed to simulate the diffusive transport of nanoparticles of varying size, surface charge or shape in these RVEs. A Stokesian dynamics method will be used whenever possible to account for steric and hydrodynamic interactions between the particles and the mucin fibers. Electrostatic repulsion will be also considered for the diffusion of spherical particles within a periodic array of perfectly aligned fibers. Additional work will involve: (i) validation of model prediction with in vitro experiments in artificial native and diseased mucus. Model predictions will be validated with in vitro experiments in artificial mucus both for the native and diseased case. Fluorescently labeled nanoparticles of different size, surface charge, or shape will be employed provided by other partners and measure their diffusion coefficient using fluorescence microscopy techniques and particle tracking analysis; (ii) use of model predictions to derive design rules for the properties of nanoparticles (i.e., size, shape and charge) that optimize penetration through the mucus layer: Simulations will be run to predict optimal nanoparticle properties that ensure effective penetration in the mucus layer. The candidate will have the opportunity to stay for short (2-3 months ) at the Center of Bio-nano-interactions (CBNI) at University College Dublin, at Southern Denmark University and at HZI, Germany. The candidate will have the responsibility for complete management of their research work, write-up and presentation of results at high caliber scientifi cevents, publication in selected journals and finally, writing of the PhD thesis under the conditions of the University of Cyprus. Special Requirements: As per Marie-Curie Program requirements, the successful candidate should not have resided in Cyprus for 12 months or more over the 3 years preceding employment (excluding holidays).

Benefits

Salaries, living allowances and additional benefits: The annual compensation for this position is the one specified by the Marie Curie FP 7 program rules. For this position which is specified for a researcher with research experience between 0 and 4 years the total employee cost allowed is the nominal Euro 38,000, adjusted for the Cyprus coefficient of 0,887%. Out of this amount the employers and employees contributions, as well as the income tax applicable to the researcher, will be deducted. The current deduction rates and personal tax brackets can be found in the following links: Employer and Employee Contributions:http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-Global/Local%20Assets/Documents/Tax/Taxation%20and%20Investment%20Guides/2012/dttl_tax_highlight_2012_Cyprus.pdf Personal Income Tax: http://www.worldwide-tax.com/cyprus/cyprus_tax.asp Should any of these contributions and/or tax brackets be adjusted by the Cyprus government, the researchers salary will be adjusted accordingly, in order to maintain the above mentioned maximum employee cost set by the Marie Curie FP 7 program rules.

Additional Job Details

www.epos-iasis.com www.pathchooser.eu

Application Deadline

07/03/2014

Application e-mail

andreani@epos-iasis.com

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