PhD Studentship New Oxygen Sensing Porphyrins as Investigative Tools for Regenerative Medicine

Tax free stipend of £13,750 pa plus UK/EU tuition fees

The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University is offering a 3 year PhD studentship starting in January 2014.

The successful regeneration of functional tissue from cell-seeded supports depends on the adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Optical oxygen sensing (OOS), based on the oxygen-dependent luminescence of organometallic phosphors, is a powerful technique for oxygen distribution monitoring. The potential to achieve real time 3D oxygen mapping made this technique highly appealing for regenerative medicine applications.

This project aims at the generation of a library of bespoke water-soluble oxygen-sensing porphyrins, designed for use as extracellular matrix-embedded sensors to follow the variations of oxygen levels in cell-seeded supports. The work will involve the synthesis of the porphyrins, the characterisation of their photophysical properties, and the evaluation of their oxygen-sensing behaviour in collagen-based models of the extracellular matrix.

Applicants are expected to have at least an upper second class Honours degree (or equivalent) in any suitable chemistry-based field. The suitable candidate will demonstrate interest in medicinal chemistry and organic chemistry. Previous experience in organic synthesis would be beneficial. Detailed person specifications are available on request.

All informal enquires should be directed to Dr Francesca Giuntini (F.Giuntini@ljmu.ac.uk).

How to apply:

Applications should be submitted electronically, by 5pm (local time) on the 20th of November 2013 by clicking on the ‘Apply’ button below.

As an applicant, you should send:

1. A cover letter outlining your interest in this research area, and any relevant experience in the field. Please explain what makes you suitable for this position. For non-EU candidates there must be a clear statement explaining how you would expect to pay the difference in EU and overseas fees.
2. A C.V. (maximum two pages) indicating the names of two referees.