Applications are invited for a three-year QMUL funded PhD studentship starting in October 2014 to work in the laboratories of Dr. Matteo Palma and Dr. John F Marshall, at the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, and the Barts Cancer Institute. We will explore novel nanotechnological approaches for the design and fabrication of nanoscale devices as cell-type-specific diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Nanoscale biochips will be (bio)engineered with single-molecule control employing molecular building blocks assembled on DNA nanostructures To apply you should have a good first degree (BSc Honours or equivalent), and a Masters qualification in a discipline related to the studentship (chemistry, biochemistry , biology, bioengineering, medicine, biomedical engineering ). Studentships are open to candidates from the UK & EU only. The Studentship consists of the full cost of tuition fees and £15,786 a year for 3 years. To apply, please contact Dr. Matteo Palma (m.palma@qmul.ac.uk)

Description

Living systems are complex biochemical systems controlled by molecular interactions between DNA, proteins, and other organic molecules. Understanding system-level functionality depends on understanding the nanoscopic mechanisms of these biochemical interactions. Both in vitro and in vivo techniques have traditionally relied largely on ensemble averages of these biochemical processes. Many fundamental processes, however, require probing (and controlling) dynamics at the single-molecule level including folding, assembly, and function of proteins and other cellular machines. We will explore novel nanotechnological approaches for the design and fabrication of nanoscale devices as cell-type-specific diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Nanoscale biochips will be (bio)engineered with single-molecule control employing molecular building blocks assembled on DNA nanostructures. It is possible to synthesize DNA nanostructures (origami) with one or more overhanging segment of single- or double- stranded DNA, known as “sticky ends,” positioned with a high degree of precision on the origami. Bioactive structures can be attached to each of these “sticky ends” to precisely pattern (peptides and/or proteins) at the scale of individual molecules. A mixture of bioactive molecules can be placed on the same DNA origami platform. Such nanoscopic platforms would, for the first time, enable single ligand-receptor molecule studies in specific cancer models. We will also design the DNA platforms for the development of transfer technologies for gene therapy. The PhD student will be supervised by Dr. Matteo Palma of the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, and by Dr. John F Marshal of the Barts Cancer Institute. The design and structural properties of the nansocale biochips we will develop, will be investigated in Dr. Palma’s laboratory, making use of state of the art Scanning Probe Microscopy set-ups. The nano-devices will then be tested in in vitro experiments at the Barts Cancer Institute, under the supervision of Dr. Marshall and his group. By surpassing the current limits of bioengineering approaches, the strategy we propose has the potential to develop a new generation of single-molecule multifunctional systems as research, diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Future post-genomic technologies will require single-molecule devices of this type for multiple biological investigations and development of personalized medicine. To apply you should have a good first degree (BA or BSc Honours or equivalent), at upper second class or equivalent with evidence of some 1st class work, and a Masters qualification (at Merit or above with evidence of some Distinction level work) in a cognate discipline related to the studentship (chemistry, biochemistry , biology, bioengineering, medicine, biomedical engineering). To apply, please contact Dr. Matteo Palma (m.palma@qmul.ac.uk) and visit: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/lifesciences/phd/