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Correlative light, X-ray, and electron microscopy framework for 3D bone imaging at the cell level across the lifecourse
PhD project details
Original advertisement: https://jobs.soton.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?id=6294&forced=1
Subjects: Biomedical Engineering, Health Sciences, Applied Mathematics
Institution: University of Southampton
Faculty: Engineering and the Environment
Group: Bioengineering Research Group
Location: Highfield Campus, University of Southampton
Closing date: Wednesday 02 July 2014
PhD project description
Disabilities due to musculoskeletal disorders have increased by nearly 50% over the last 20 years and affect millions of people. Osteoarthritis is the fastest increasing major health problem worldwide and every year, more than 300,000 people suffer from an osteoporosis-related fracture in the UK only. There is intense research to try and study the origin of these musculoskeletal disorders although, critically, until recently the hallmarks of these bone-related diseases could not be studied in 3D at a cellular level. Elucidation of the 3D cellular framework will provide new insight into these diseases.
This PhD project will develop a framework for 3D bone imaging and characterisation at the cell level, bringing harnessing novel 3D imaging modalities based on laser scanning microscopy, computed tomography, and scanning electron microscopy. The PhD candidate will characterise bone tissue in 3D in normal and diseased human bone and across the lifecourse using unique animal samples from cohort studies subject to various nutritional challenges relevant to bone health. The project will then develop novel quantitative measures to derive quantitative hallmarks of bone tissue at the cell level in health and disease.
This PhD offers a unique interdisciplinary life sciences programme of work based at a world-class research centre with shared support from the Faculties of Engineering and the Environment, Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton (UoS). The PhD candidate will work closely with partners at the Southampton General Hospital and the centre for computed tomography at UoS, while benefitting from the exceptional opportunity to gain expertise in cutting-edge bioimaging technologies applied to relevant health questions in our society.
The ideal candidate will be familiar with sample preparation techniques for light and electron microscopy and/or will have biomedical imaging experience, together with a sound education in engineering sciences.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Philipp Schneider, Bioengineering Science Research Group, Email: p.schneider@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 23 8059 4640.
To apply, please use the following website: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/enginee...es/apply.page?