PhD Studentship: Development of Lanthanide coiled coil complexes for applications in MRI
- Employer
- Global Academy Jobs
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Closing date
- Jun 30, 2017
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- Sector
- Business and Finance, Science, Computer Science and IT, Life Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, Physical Sciences and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry
- Hours
- Full Time
- Organization Type
- University and College
- Jobseeker Type
- Academic (e.g. 'Lecturer')
Job Details
Since MRI’s first clinical applications nearly thirty years ago, MRI has become an essential tool for clinical diagnosis. Image contrast is routinely enhanced by the use of a contrast agent (CA), normally based on complexes of gadolinium. One of the important factors in CA efficiency (relaxivity) is increased water interaction and reduced tumbling in solution.
The Peacock and Britton groups have recently developed a new class of potential MRI CAs for use in medical imaging, based on novel miniature coiled coil protein ligands (see Figure). The protein ligand leads to gadolinium complexes which display superior r2 contrast capabilities (r2 ~90 mM-1 s-1) compared to the traditional complexes currently employed in the clinic (r2 ~6 mM-1 s-1 for Dotarem®). This PhD project will develop new metalloproteins for use as MRI contrast agents, by building on these recent results. This is a multidisciplinary project incorporating elements of biological, inorganic and physical chemistry. The student will gain considerable experience in a range of techniques including, peptide design and synthesis, solution spectroscopic techniques and MRI.
Further information about the Peacock and Britton groups can be found at: http://chemweb.bham.ac.uk/~peacoafa/Peacock_Website.htm
http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/chemistry/britton/index.aspx
Funding Notes
Scholarships are available to fund students with a good UK degree, or equivalent EU qualification in Chemistry or a related subject.
These awards cover University fees and provide 36 months’ maintenance at standard RCUK rates (currently £14,057).
Interested candidates are encouraged to informally contact Dr Anna Peacock (a.f.a.peacock@bham.ac.uk) to discuss the project.
Please apply early as the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Company
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