Background

“Imagine” (http://imagine.group.shef.ac.uk/) is one of the University’s most strategic and exciting research investments that aims to change the way we develop and use super resolution microscopy, particularly applied to microbiology. During the last few years super resolution microscopy has begun to revolutionize our understanding of the organization in bacterial cells. The goal of the project is to study the spatial organization of chromosomes in bacteria. Genomes have to be properly segregated for the stable inheritance of genetic material to their offspring. The study of chromosome dynamics is important in the fundamental understanding of the bacterial cell cycle and pathogenesis. This PhD project will use multidisciplinary approaches from single-molecule/super resolution fluorescence imaging to biotechnology and microfluidics to study the organization and dynamics of chromosomes (see EMBO J. 2013, 32:1238-49).

The studentship will be held in the newly established lab of Dr Ling Chin Hwang in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology as part of the “Imagine” International Strategic Alliance (ISA) doctoral training programme. The ISA programme is establishing a network of universities across the world to allow students the opportunity to visit other facilities, collaborate with colleagues in different institutions and experience working cultures in other universities. This scholarship will position the student in a thriving research environment that will provide international opportunities for training and career development.

The successful applicant will be joining an existing cohort of students and an active research community that cuts across a number of departments within the Faculties of Science and Medicine, Dentistry and Health.

Award Details

For new PhD students starting in 2015-16, the ISA Scholarships will pay:

• full tuition fees (UK, EU or Overseas)
• an annual, tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard RCUK rate (£14,057 in 2015/16)
• a Research Training Support Grant to cover international travel, secondments and exchanges.

These scholarships fund 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, biophysics, microbiology)
• You should be applying to start your first year of study on a full-time PhD with the University in the 2015-16 academic year (i.e. after 1^st October 2015, exact start date to be agreed)
• Awards are open to UK, EU and international applicants.

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. Application process is follow:

Application process

A) Complete the application formhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JVFcHXwPmkzUfDYlCh8CCk7oVKgHrKVsLpxePV9UIpc/viewform?usp=send_form

B) Email the following documents listed below as a single pdf file to PGRfutures<στο>sheffield.ac.uk. In the subject box, please indicate ‘YOUR SURNAME – IMAGINE 2015’

1. C.V.
2. Degree transcripts
3. Supporting statement
4. Reference letters from two referees
5. English Language certification (if applicable)

For informal enquiries and further information about the project, please contact Dr Ling Chin Hwang (lingchin.hwang@gmail.com)

For more information about the Imagine, see http://imagine.group.shef.ac.uk/