PhD Studentship - Imaging Neural Activity, University of Nottingham

Reference

SCI1124

Job Type

Research & Teaching

Department

School of Pharmacy

This project offers the exciting opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary research in well funded vibrant research laboratories in the School of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham.

The Neurophotonics Laboratory is developing technology to study how information is encoded, processed and stored in networks of neurons. An important part of this technology is the ability to monitor neural activity across a whole network. This project will involve the development of novel surface chemistries that both support the long term survival of neuronal cell cultures and render the surface sensitive to neural activity. These surface chemistries will be prepared on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors and used in a state-of-the-art imaging system to study neural computation. Ultimately this technology will help us understand how the brain works.

This highly interdisciplinary project provides the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of disciplines - bringing together elements from chemistry, biology, physics and engineering.  The successful applicant will work with Prof Morgan Alexander and Dr Noah Russell in the world renowned Laboratory of Biophysics and Surface Analysis (LBSA) and the Institute of Biophysics, Imaging and Optical Science (IBIOS). They will become an expert in a diverse range of surface chemical analysis and modification techniques including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and surface ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). They will also learn tissue culture and cell biology methods and gain valuable experience with cutting edge imaging systems.

The successful candidate will have a degree in Chemistry, Physics, Pharmacy, Materials Science or related disciplines. Due to funding constraints, applications can only be considered from the UK, the European Union or from self funded students.

Applications with a detailed CV, the names and addresses of two referees, and reasons why you think you are suitable for the scholarship, should be sent to Dr Noah Russell email: noah.russell@nottingham.ac.uk or details of the application process and a link to the online application form is available at: http://pgstudy.nottingham.ac.uk/apply-for-postgraduate-courses.aspx. Please make sure you include Project Supervisor name on your application.

Please note that the 'Apply Online' facility (below) is not available for this post.

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