Scotland: PhD Studentship in WestCHEM

PhD Studentship in WestCHEM

WestCHEM/Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry

University of Strathclyde

Biomolecular Nanoscience/ Biomaterials Chemistry/ Supramolecular Chemistry

The research group of Professor Ulijn in WestCHEM, the joint Chemistry research school of the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde, invites applications for a PhD scholarships in the area of Biomolecular Nanotechnology, funded by the European Research Council (ERC). We seek high quality, enthusiastic candidates with excellent communication skills and a first class/ 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biomaterials Science, Biomolecular Engineering, or similar. Students will join the biomolecular nanotechnology research group at Strathclyde (www.ulijnlab.com), an ambitious research team with a strong international reputation and cross disciplinary focus.

Enzyme-Assisted Self-Assembly of Peptide Gels for Cell Culture (Collaboration with University of Glasgow, funded by ERC)

This PhD student will look at exploiting biocatalytic self-assembly¹ of peptide based materials² to produce hydrogels with tunable and well defined mechanical properties matched with those of nerve, fat and bone tissue. The resulting gel matrices will then be used to control cell behaviour³, including stem cell differentiation (in collaboration with Dr Matt Dalby, University of Glasgow).

References: 1. R.J. Williams et al., Nature Nanotechnology, 2009, 4, 19-24.; 2. A.M. Smith, R.V. Ulijn, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2008, 37, 664-675.;  3. M. Zhou et al., Biomaterials, 2009, 30, 2523-2530.

To apply, please send your CV, academic transcript and covering letter, indicating your research interests and including the contact details of two academic referees, to Isabel Scott (i.scott@strath.ac.uk) as soon as possible. Applications will continue to be considered until 20^th September 2010. Informal enquires can also be directed towards Professor Rein Ulijn (rein.ulijn@strath.ac.uk)