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PhD Research Project: Transition-metal based dual optical/electron microscopy imaging probes as new

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
May 15, 2017

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Job Details

Details

The Florey Institute (http://www.floreyinstitute.com) and Imagine: Imaging Life (http://www.imagine-imaginglife.com) are long term strategic initiatives at the University of Sheffield (2022 Futures) that provide a platform for ambitious research growth in areas that the University of Sheffield is recognised for internationally. The Florey Institute aims to create a world-leading focus on antimicrobial resistance and host-pathogen interactions, from fundamental science to translation. Imagine: Imaging Life aims to combine and harness cutting-edge imaging technologies in super-resolution microscopy, electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to address key biological questions. This scholarship, as part of the Global Strategic Alliance programme, will position the student in a thriving research environment that may provide international opportunities for training and career development.

Project details: Periodontal disease is an extremely common condition which can result in tooth loss. The pathogenesis is linked to a number of bacteria including Prophyromonas gingivalis. We have shown that when this bacterium invades host cells, it is resistant to both therapeutic agents and the immune response. One alternative to overcome resistance is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) which uses singlet-oxygen photosensitisers (PS) and targeted laser light applied directly to the gums to activate them.

Hypothesis: Intracellular bacteria can be eliminated by aPDT if the agent and bacteria co-localise. Currently, there are no aPDT agents that can be imaged by both TEM and emission microscopy, and co-localise with P.gingivalis. We have developed emissive transition-metal complexes (Pt(II),Ir(III)) that are the first dual-probes for TEM+3DSIM. Remarkably, they are also PDT-active, killing diverse cancer cell-lines (Sci.Reports-2016-22668; Chem.Eur.J.-2016-10.1002/chem.20160479).

Aim: To develop our new TEM/3DSIM transition-metal imaging agents as aPDT drugs.

Plan: (1) Establish the distribution of these metal-complexes and fluorescent-labelled P. gingivalis within human epithelial cell lines using real-time emission microscopy and TEM; (2) Precisely track the bacteria progression into the cell using TEM; (3) Test the best co-localised agents in aPDT.

Outcome: The scientific basis for development of a new generation of aPDT agents for periodontal disease.

Please contact Prof. Julia Weinstein (julia.weinstein@sheffield.ac.uk) or Dr Simon Whawell (s.whawell@sheffield.ac.uk) for more details about the project.

How to apply

Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis - applications are assessed on the basis of academic success and qualifications, experience, research background and a clear and well-articulated reason for being considered. For information on applying, please see https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply/applying

Applications will be accepted until 15 May or until the position is filled.

For more information about the Florey Institute and Imagine, see http://www.floreyinstitute.com and http://www.imagine-imaginglife.com.
 

Funding Notes

Award Details

• Full tuition fees (UK, EU or Overseas).
• An annual, tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard RCUK rate.
Up to 3.5 years full-time study, subject to satisfactory progress.

Eligibility

• You should have, or expect to achieve, a first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent. This should be in a relevant area (e.g. Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related discipline). A strong background in Physical Sciences is required, ideally, at the interface of physical and life sciences.
• Anticipated start date October 2017
• Awards are open to UK, EU and international applicants.

Company

Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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