Postgraduate Opportunities
Newcastle University
Supervisor: Dr Evelyne Sernagor
Institute: Institute of Neuroscience
Sponsor: EPSRC
Project Start Date: 1 October 2008
Duration of Award: 3 Years
Project Description
The project focuses on the development of high-density multielectrode arrays decorated with novel biocompatible nanomaterials for evaluation of treatment strategy for retinal dystrophic diseases using a mouse model of retinal regeneration. The successful candidate will be involved both in the design and microfabrication of the arrays as well as in the biological assessment of the devices.
Organotypic cultures of dystrophic retinas will be grown on arrays of various designs. A combination of electrical stimulation and optical recordings will be used to optimise the array geometry. At later stages in the project, the devices will also be acutely tested in patients and implanted in animals.
This project will expose the student to several important experimental approaches at the interface between life science and bioengineering in the rapidly expanding field of neuroprosthetics.
Person Specification
Applicants must have, or expect to achieve, a first-class or upper-second-class degree, or equivalent, in a neuroscience, bioengineering or related discipline.
Value of the Award
Due to funding criteria, this award is only available to UK and EU applicants. The award covers fees and an annual stipend (starting at £12,940). Non-UK EU nationals must be resident in the UK for three years prior to the start of the studentship to qualify for the full award. If they do not meet this condition, they will be eligible for a fees only award.
How to Apply
You must complete the University’s postgraduate application form (www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply), selecting ‘PhD Faculty of Medical Sciences (full time)’ as the programme of study and inserting the reference number ION54. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) and a CV, a covering letter and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications must be attached. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number ION54 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
You should also send your covering letter and CV to Nigel Lamond, Postgraduate Secretary, Institute of Neuroscience, Henry Wellcome Building, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, or by email to nigel.lamond@ncl.ac.uk.
Closing Date: 16 June 2008
Further Information
Enquiries may be made to Nigel Lamond (nigel.lamond@ncl.ac.uk) or Dr Evelyne Sernagor (evelyne.sernagor@ncl.ac.uk).
Funding information
- Funding applies to:
- EU applicants (including UK)
