Qualification Type: | PhD |
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Location: | Newcastle upon Tyne |
Funding for: | UK Students, EU Students, International Students |
Funding amount: | £17,668 |
Hours: | Full Time |
Placed On: | 9th May 2023 |
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Closes: | 5th June 2023 |
Reference: | SNES239B |
Award Summary
100% home fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £17,668 (2022-23 UKRI rate).
Overview
Viruses, and their vectors, pose a serious threat to global agricultural systems. Losses associated with viral diseases are estimated at €15b to €45b per year. Central to effective biosecurity are surveillance and diagnostics. Our interest is in passive monitoring systems characterised by easy-to-use protocols, low fabrication and operational cost, and full in field functionality. These platforms should be capable of rapid re-programming to emerging targets.
The PhD candidate will design molecular cascades capable of identifying target viruses and viral vectors. You will experimentally test designs for sensitivity and specificity. You will be trained in mathematical modelling of biological systems and in the use of statistical Design of Experiments. By coupling these skills with pipetting robotics available in our laboratory, you will rapidly test, understand and optimise molecular performance. Further, you will take advantage of our expertise in embedding cell-free molecular biology reactions in physical chassis to develop multifunctional materials.
In collaboration with Fera Ltd. you will employ a user co-design framework to understand the requirements of the device in real world situations. You will consult with potential end users and the outcome of these discussions will directly inform technology development.
Number of awards: 1
Start date: 18th September 2023
Award duration: 3 years
Sponsor
Institute for AgriFood Research Innovations (IAFRI) & Newcastle University (NU)
Supervisors
Thomas Howard, Jem Stach (NU), Adrian Fox, Jenny Tomlinson and Catherine Harrison (Fera)
Eligibility criteria
You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Synthetic biology, Plant Science, Microbiology or similar.
Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria). International applicants are welcome to apply but will be required to cover the difference between Home and International fees.
International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.
How to apply
You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal
Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.
Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:
You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Questions’ section:
When prompted regarding your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.
Contact details
For further information please contact: Thomas.Howard@newcastle.ac.uk and include ‘IAFRI PhD’ in the email subject line.
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