PhD Studentship: Computational Modelling to Understand the Key Determinants of Placental Antibody Transfer

Project title: Computational modelling to understand the key determinants of placental antibody transfer  

PhD Supervisor: Bram Sengers

Supervisory Team: Bram Sengers (SoE), Chrissie Jones (Medicine), Rohan Lewis (Medicine)

Project description

The aim of this project is to use computational modelling in combination with experimental data to improve our understanding of placental antibody transfer, in close collaboration between Engineering and Medicine.

This is important as antibody transfer across the placenta from mother to fetus is critical to protect the newborn infant against infection during the vulnerable early months of life. Understanding how placental antibody transfer works is essential in devising effective vaccination strategies, meeting global health challenges, as well as the development of new antibody drug conjugates.

It is known that only specific antibodies (IgG) transfer across the placenta, but this process is highly complex and still not fully understood. Important questions remain, include how exactly IgG crosses the placental barrier and what are the rate limiting factors. For example, the different physical characteristics and spatial organisation of the various tissue layers, cellular interactions and differences in antibody binding may all affect transfer

To address these questions we will build on our previous multidisciplinary work to:

1. Develop a compartmental modelling framework for the placental transfer of IgG antibodies
2. Use 3D microscopy to map the uptake and distribution of antibodies in placental tissue
3. Apply 3D image based modelling to predict antibody transfer and validate this against experimental data.

The project can accommodate a range of different backgrounds, but you need to be familiar with computational modelling techniques and have a strong interest in applying these to biological problems. Relevant experience includes, but is not limited to, biomedical engineering, biochemical engineering, biophysics, applied mathematics, finite element analysis, image analysis and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Bram Sengers, Bioengineering Research Group, Email: bramseng@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 3300.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2023

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £17,668 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Bram Sengers

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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