Life Sciences PhD Chemistry: Development of novel multimodal imaging platforms (2023)

What you get

This School-funded position covers Home (UK) tuition fees and a stipend at standard UKRI rates for 3.5 years. Applicants with overseas fee status need to provide evidence of how they will fund the difference between Home and International tuition fees (approx. £18k per year).

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

Funding type

School funded

PhD project

Development of novel multimodal imaging platforms

Molecular 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. 

Eligibility

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.

Deadline

How to apply

Please submit a formal application using the online system attaching a CV, degree transcripts and certificates, statement of interest and two academic references.  

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

Contact us

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

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