PhD Supervisor: Dr Anthony Callanan
Application Deadline: Open until position filled
Funding Availability: Open to UK/EU/Overseas applicants. Studentships will cover University fees (at UK/EU or overseas rate), plus a stipend for 3.5 years at the enhanced EPSRC rate (£14,640 for 2013/14).Â
Research Area: Materials & ProcessesÂ
Project description: Tissue Engineering has shown great potential in the treatment of a large number of degenerative ailments, including osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease, through the development of biological scaffolds. Â Specifically, this approach can incorporate a biomaterial/scaffold that can provide suitable biomechanical and biocompatibility properties, and a favorable environment for cell attachment, cell growth and regeneration. Various scaffold types, including biodegradable polyesters and naturally derived extracellular matrix materials have been used with varying degrees of success in these areas over the past number of decades.Â
This research focuses on the development and enhancement of these materials through synthesis, fabrication and structural modification. The student will attain skills in biomaterial design, fabrication, characterisation and cell culture, using techniques such as; Scanning electron microscopy, Nano-indentation, fatigue testing, ELISA, and real-time RT-PCR etc. These skills will be important for a student perusing an industrial career in the biomedical sector; in addition they will be essential for an academic career in Tissue Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.Â
Eligibility and qualifications: Applicants must be of outstanding academic merit: a first class or upper second class honours undergraduate degree (or International equivalent) is the minimum qualification requirement.
To undertake this research, we are seeking a motivated candidate with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Synthetic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a cognate discipline.
Some knowledge and experience of Material Characterisation, Cell Culture, Polymer Chemistry and general experimental work would be helpful. Also the ability to work effectively as an independent researcher and work in group projects will be an advantage.
 Please apply here: www.see.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply
Select the Research Area referred to in the advert and clearly state on your application form which project you are applying for and the relevant supervisor.
Informal Enquiries to: anthony.callanan@ed.ac.uk
Further information: www.eng.ed.ac.uk/drupal/research/IMP
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