The QMUL Institute of Bioengineering is a new cross-faculty initiative bringing together over 50 academics from the faculties of Medicine & Dentistry and Science & Engineering. The Institute provides a focus for ground-breaking research aimed at the development of new medical therapeutics and diagnostics to meet the key healthcare challenges of the 21st century.

Project Details: The keratin network of intermediate filaments is an essential structural component of the cytoskeleton in epidermal keratinocytes, and mutations in keratin genes are the underlying cause of the blistering skin disease, epidermolysis bullosa simplex. Nevertheless, the role of keratins in cellular mechano-sensing and signal transduction remains unclear. The over aim of this PhD studentship is to determine the molecular mechanisms by which keratin filaments regulate the response of human keratinocytes to altered mechanical environments. The project will take advantage of engineered biomaterials to control the elasticity of the underlying matrix and super-resolution imaging to examine the nano-scale changes in keratin structure and organisation induced by changes in substrate mechanics. In addition, the introduction of genetic mutations in keratins and keratin-cross-linking proteins will be used to investigate their specific role in cell growth, differentiation, and activation of downstream signalling pathways. The successful completion of this research project will provide significant insights into keratinocyte mechano-transduction and the pathogenesis epidermolysis bullosa. 

Cross-disciplinary research will be carried out within the Centre for Cutaneous Research in the School of Medicine and Dentistry and within the School of Engineering and Materials Science. The student will have access to state-of-the-art imaging, micro-fabrication, and biological research facilities across both campuses and their associated expertise. The studentship will be an excellent opportunity for training at the interface of engineering and cell biology.

Supervisors: Dr. John Connelly, Prof. David Lee

QMUL Research Studentship Details
• Available to Home/EU/International Applicants
• Full Time programme only
• Applicants required to start in September/October 2015.
• The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend (£15,863 in 2014/15) for up to three years.
• The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
• International applicants should refer to the following website at http://www.qmul.ac.uk/international/index.html 
• If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking).

Contact Details:
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr. John Connelly
Tel: 020 7882 7160
E-mail: j.connelly<στο>qmul.ac.uk

Application Method: To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Medical Engineering programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) via the following webpage:http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgrcoursefinder/engineering/index.html

Further Guidance: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/applyresearchdegrees/index.html