An enthusiastic and committed PhD student is required for a research project aimed at âdeveloping silk-silica composite materials for dental and bone replacement materialsâ. The successful candidate will join the Biomolecular and Materials Interface Research team headed by Professor Carole C. Perry in the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre at Nottingham Trent University. The PhD student will be part of an international project team that involves scientists from the USA (Tufts University in Medford, MA) and the UK (Nottingham Trent University). The project is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA. The molecular biology studies are performed in the US and the materials aspects of material development are conducted at NTU. The research programme started in 2007 and we are now in the second phase of the project looking to further develop our understanding of the chemistry and materials properties of silk based genetic fusion proteins combined with minerals for next generation dental and/or bone replacement materials.  The project does offer opportunities for international travel and exposure to new skills in our partner laboratories.
Entry requirement
A good Masters degree in Chemistry or a related discipline or a first class or upper second class U.K. B.Sc. (Hons) degree (or equivalent) will be considered.
Eligibility
Applications can be accepted from UK/EU and also International students. The minimum English language proficiency requirement for candidates who have not undertaken a higher degree at a UK HE institution is IELTS 6.5 (with no element to be below 6.0) or TOEFL 560/iBT 94-95.
Award
The studentship will pay UK/EU fees and provide a maintenance stipend linked to the RCUK rate (currently £13,590 per annum) for up to three years. Applications from non-EU students are welcome, but due to funding restrictions a successful candidate would be responsible for paying the difference between non-EU and UK/EU fees. (Fees for 2013/14 are £11,600 for non-EU students and £3,900 for UK/EU students and are likely to rise in subsequent years).
Applying
For informal enquiries about the studentship, please contact Professor Carole Perry â carole.perry@ntu.ac.uk
For an application form, please email the NTU Graduate School gradschool@ntu.ac.uk
Please return your fully completed application form; a copy of your CV; copies of academic certificates obtained to date; a 1000 word (may include figures as appropriate) précis of the research area (using available literature and given from your perspective/ experience); and copies of English proficiency certificates (if applicable) via email to: gradschool@ntu.ac.uk
Applications by CV only will not be accepted.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 9am on 26th September 2013.