PhD Studentship: Lineage Tracing of Blood Stem Cell Development

College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

Funding for the Executive Dean’s PhD Studentship: Lineage tracing of blood stem cell development in embryo-like gastruloids

The team of Cristina Pina (https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/cristina-pina), Alessandro Esposito (https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/alessandro-esposito) and Victor Hernandez (https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/victor-hernandez) at Brunel University London, is offering a fully-funded PhD studentship to develop a live imaging and lineage tracing system to monitor blood formation and emergence of blood (haematopoietic) stem cells in a 3D gastruloid model of embryogenesis. Establishment of the lineage tracing system will support implementation of the 3D gastruloid model as a replacement for animal studies, and its eventual use as a source of blood cells for transfusion and transplantation.

Based in and funded by the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, this studentship offers a full-time annual London rate stipend estimated at £21,237plus (including London weighting) and Home tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months.

The Department of Life Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award and is committed to equality of opportunity and advancing women’s careers.

The start date will be 1 October 2024.

Overview

The overarching aim of this project is the optimisation of culture conditions for the scalable generation of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro from pluripotent sources. This paves the path for on-demand laboratory production of HSC and blood cells, overcoming the limitations of voluntary blood donations and tissue compatibility, and addressing an unmet clinical need.

The project brings together established PIs’ expertise in regulation of haematopoiesis and HSCs and in biophotonics and live imaging solutions. It is truly interdisciplinary and will provide the successful Candidate with solid exposure to molecular biology, stem cell biology, organoid bioengineering, and advanced live microscopy, expanding their future employability and career choice.

For informal discussions, please contact Cristina Pina (cristina.pina@brunel.ac.uk) and/or Alessandro Esposito (alessandro.esposito@brunel.ac.uk).

Eligibility

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in a Biological or Bioengineering discipline. A Masters qualification in a relevant area is desirable but not essential. Previous research experience in cell and/or molecular biology are desirable criteria. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section).

How to Apply

If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk by 10 June 2024.

• An up-to-date CV.
• A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement describing why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).
• One example of your academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from a dissertation).
• A summary of your teaching experience or your willingness to support teaching activities.
• Names and contact details for two academic referees.
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview week commencing 1 July 2024.

For further information about how to apply, please contact the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Postgraduate Programmes Office on chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk.

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