PhD Studentship Projects Centre for Plasma Physics, School of Maths and Physics

The Centre for Plasma Physics is one of the preeminent Centre’s for ultraintense laser interactions and plasma physics. We have 8 PhD projects available for 2014 entry  ranging from studying the interactions of the world’s most intense lasers to studying the fundamentals of radiation cancer therapy (for UK & EC eligible applicants only).

To apply visit

http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/StudyatQueens/PostgraduateStudents/ApplyingtoQueens/

by 21 February 2014.

Details can also be found at

http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/CentreforPlasmaPhysics/Vacancies/

Physical, chemical and biological consequences of nanoparticle and ionizing radiation interactions

Supervisor: Dr. F. Currell (f.currell@qub.ac.uk)

Project Description

Working in close conjunction with Nanobiotix (the first company to have a radiotherapy enhancing nanoparticle in clinical trials) the student involved in this project will have the opportunity to prepare colloidal suspensions of the nanoparticle species to be used at a range of concentrations and with various dissolved gas compositions. These samples will be used to make measurements pertaining to the various mechanisms at work, including Auger/photoelectron driven processes, self-nanoparticle scavenging, other-nanoparticle scavenging, hole-migration and catalytic at-nanoparticle generation. The measurements will elucidate the role of these mechanisms in the enhancement of radiotherapy using nanoparticles. Based on the observed mechanisms, mathematical models will be developed of the radiation/nanoparticle synergy with a view to enabling better treatment of cancer. The successful candidate should be prepared to spend periods of time in Paris, reporting results to collaborators.