Postgraduate research opportunities

A new super-resolution optical microscopy method for live cell imaging

A project to develop and use a new super-resolution optical microscope to obtain very high spatial resolution images of fluorescently labelled live cells.

Number of places

1

Opens

1 April 2017

Eligibility

Qualifications:

BSc (Hons) 2:1 or equivalent degree in physics.

Funding:

Scholarships (fees and stipend) available on a competitive basis for UK/EU students, please contact supervisor for details.

Project Details

A PhD position (fully funded for UK/EU students only) is available at the University of Strathclyde in the Centre for Biophotonics and the Department of Physics. The successful candidate will develop and use a new super-resolution optical microscope to obtain very high spatial resolution images of fluorescently labelled live cells.

The PhD project will focus on:

  • Design and construction of the optical microscope
  • Use of laser and LED sources for excitation of fluorescence
  • Application of cutting-edge sensor technology for obtaining time-resolved images
  • Learning specimen preparation techniques, including fluorescence labelling and cell culture
  • Analysis of the data and making 3D and 4D image reconstructions of cells and tissues
  • Writing papers and communicating outcomes of research at national and international conferences.

The project will offer cutting-edge research training in optics and biophotonics, as well as postgraduate teaching and training as part of the SULSA (Scottish Universities Life Science Alliance) partnership through the Graduate School. Financial support will be made available for presentation of results at national and international conferences.

The successful applicant will have dedication and enthusiasm for experimental research, and will have good communication skills.