The Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences invites applications for a prestigious 4-year fully-funded President’s Doctoral Scholar award. The scholarship supports a PhD in graphene research with application to medical devices and health interventions.

The ‘Louis Wong Hak Wood Presidential Doctoral Scholarship’* is in recognition of the University’s outstanding reputation in graphene and medical based research. The areas anticipated to form the basis of the PhD are:

- Crossing biological barriers - graphene has an ability to adapt and go where other molecules can’t. The challenge is designing graphene structures as carriers to trespass biomembranes for selective delivery to difficult biological targets.

- Delivery of therapeutic & imaging agents – graphene can be used to carry therapeutic and diagnostic molecules and improve the sensitivity of imaging by ensuring that molecules can get to exactly the right cells to improve their effectiveness.

The PhD project would be developed in collaboration between the successful candidate and supervisory team around one or more of the above themes. Training would incorporate a 3-6 month funded placement at the Chinese University of Hong Kong under the guidance of Professor Li Zhang.

*We are grateful to alumnus Louis Wong Hak Wood (BSc Engineering 1974) whose support has made this Doctoral Scholarship possible.

The scholarship provides full support for PhD tuition fees, a minimum annual tax-free living allowance of £14,863 and covers all research expenses. The start date for the PhD is flexible, but anticipated to be no later than September 2015. Applications are welcome from any nationality as the scholarship covers PhD fees at both the UK/EU and non-EU rates.

Candidates should hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant area within the biological, pharmaceutical, medical, material or engineering sciences. A Masters qualification in a similar area would be an advantage but is not essential.

Training would be hosted in the Nanomedicine Lab, a cutting-edge facility promoting the development of novel therapeutics based on bioengineering and nanotechnology components. The Lab forms a key element of the Manchester National Graphene Institute, pioneering research and career development in this exciting and evolving area.

The successful candidate will also hold a prestigious University of Manchester ‘President’s Doctoral Scholar Award’ entitling them to act as an ambassador for the University, benefit from additional training opportunities and represent the University at internal and external events.

http://www.presidentsaward.manchester.ac.uk/

Please direct applications in the following format to Sue Hookway (sue.hookway@manchester.ac.uk):

• Academic CV
• Official academic transcripts
• Contact details for two suitable referees
• Personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for a PhD in this area, what you hope to achieve from the research and relevant experience to date.
• Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent) if English is not first language. This is not required if a candidate has obtained a degree from a recognised UK University.

Any enquiries on the potential area of study or overall suitability should be directed to Professor Kostas Kostarelos (kostas.kostarelos@manchester.ac.uk). Deadline for applications: Friday 28 November 2014.

http://www.graphene.manchester.ac.uk/
http://www.nanomedicinelab.com/
http://www.inflammation-repair.manchester.ac.uk/staff/Kostas.Kostarelos
http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/index.html