PhD Studentship: Development of novel multimodal imaging platforms

PhD Studentship

Department of Chemistry

University of Sussex

A Ph.D. studentship (3.5 years) is available from September 2023 under the supervision of Dr Deborah Sneddon, Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences.

Deadline: 30^th July 2023, 23.59 h (GMT)

Brief Description of the Project

Project Title: Development of novel multimodal imaging platforms

Applications are invited from highly motivated candidates for a fully funded PhD studentship (3.5 years) to begin in September 2023 or January 2024.

Imaging allows the repeatable, non-invasive measurement of several critical parameters, but each imaging technique has its limitations. Metal based lanthanide luminescent probes that emit in the visible range have limited depth penetration, reducing their in vivo application, yet their large stokes shift and long lifetimes, make them promising in vitro probes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) gadolinium based lanthanide probes cannot be visualized on a standard microscopy set up, but have excellent in vivo resolution. These limitations can be overcome by combining two or more imaging techniques in multimodal imaging, but for this, platforms that can be easily functionalised and tuned are necessary.

To this end, we are interested in exploiting supramolecular structures to create new imaging platforms. We will use a molecular scaffold to assemble the components for imaging, with another that can deliver the platform to a target. In this way, we can expand the toolkit of molecular probes that can be taken from synthesis through cell towards in vivo validation.

The project will primarily involve synthesis of novel single modal or bimodal imaging agents for MRI and/or luminescent imaging. The candidate will be exposed to cell culture and phantom imaging techniques to progress these probes through in vitro validation. This project will be supervised under Dr Deborah Sneddon in the Department of Chemistry, School of Lifesciences and will be supported by the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre (SDDC) and the Clinical Imaging Science Centre (CISC) at the University of Sussex, Falmer.

How to apply:

Please submit a formal application using our online system at www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply attaching a CV, degree transcripts and certificates, statement of interest and two academic references. No research proposal is required.

On the application system select Programme of Study – PhD Chemistry. Please ensure you state the project title under funding and include the proposed supervisor’s name where required.

This School-funded position covers Home tuition fees and a stipend at standard UKRI rates.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in chemistry, preferably with a knowledge of imaging techniques. Training can be provided in cell culture and in characterisation of lanthanide complexes. Eligible applicants will hold a 2:1 BSc in a relevant subject. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any section.

For enquiries about the application process, contact Emma Chorley: lifesci-rec@sussex.ac.uk

For enquiries about the project, contact supervisor: email: d.sneddon@sussex.ac.uk

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