Applications are invited for a fully funded CASE award between the University of Southampton, and Sharp Labs Europe (Oxford) to develop new electronic chips for single cell analysis.  Sharp have developed a liquid handling technology called digital microfluidics, using thin film transistor (TFT) technology, as used in flat panel displays. This project will research new ways of exploiting this exciting new technology cell assays. The student will work as part of a large team interacting with Sharp Labs to develop new healthcare and diagnostic technologies. The student will preferably have an engineering background and will develop methods for identifying and sorting single cells . The devices will also be used for to analyse proteins or cell DNA (by PCR) using electronics embedded in the devices. Ultimately the project will lead to a proof-of-concept for the manipulation and sensing of cells which will lead to a new generation of products for cell assays and diagnostic testing.

This project provides a unique opportunity for a student to develop their skills at the interface of electronics and life science. The student will spend extended periods of time working in the laboratories of Sharp at their site in Oxford and develop skills in commercialisation and IP management.

This EPSRC-CASE award provide an additional stipend over and above the standard stipend. Due to funding restrictions, only UK students are eligible for funding.

For further information see http://www.nano.ecs.soton.ac.uk/

Contact Prof Hywel Morgan   hm@ecs.soton.ac.uk

Formal applications should be submitted online at: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/phd/apply.shtml