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PhD Studentship DNA origami-based fluorescent labels for optical microscopy

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This project is a unique opportunity to work with researchers across the physical and biomedical sciences at Birmingham and with an innovative new company, GATTAquant.

The project will focus on the application of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to study biological systems. Recent developments in this field, such as light sheet-based imaging, expansion microscopy and the improvements to more established super-resolution approaches mean that imaging in ever-more challenging optical systems (live cells, deep tissue sections) is becoming possible. Here we will to address a major limitation in the field, the design and production of bright molecular markers that will enable high fidelity imaging at these challenging frontiers.

We will do this using DNA origami to template the design of novel fluorescent markers that are tens of nanometres in size and carry many tens or hundreds of fluorophores. A key aspect of the project will be the rational design of these nanoparticles and the characterisation of their photophysical properties. Ultimately, we aim to produce a DNA origami-templated structure that acts as an alternative to an antibody for super-resolution imaging.

The probes produced by the project will be tailored for specific and challenging biomedical imaging experiments. The project will particularly focus on addressing the challenge of imaging dynamic biological structures using super-resolution microscopy. As a test-bed for these experiments, we will focus on the dynamics of the cytoskeleton of live platelets. Imaging such processes on the whole-cell scale is technically challenging, requiring both super-resolution imaging and high temporal resolution, which in turn demands a bright and stable fluorescent marker. With these experiments, we aim to advance understanding of the behaviour of platelets and their role in cardiovascular disease.

The project is multidisciplinary in nature and supported by academics in the School of Chemistry, Computer Science and the Medical School. Our collaboration with industry means the project benefits from world-leading expertise in DNA origami production and is likely to find direct industrial application. To support you in gaining the skills necessary to undertake the practical work in the project, you will undertake a range of interdisciplinary taught and practical skills modules at the outset of the PhD.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Neely, University of Birmingham (r.k.neely@bham.ac.uk).

Funding Notes

This PhD project sits within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Physical Sciences for Health (Sci-Phy-4-Health) & encompasses a 4 year Integrated PhD programme. Each year the CDT is able to offer a fully funded scholarship from EPSRC to UK students (tax free stipend £14,553 for entrance in 2017/2018).

EU students are eligible for awards of tuition fees only but may also be eligible for stipend funding if they have studied or worked in the UK for at least 3 continuous years immediately prior to course entry. Candidates are advised to check the EPSRC website for eligibility details.










 

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