<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<job>
  <id type="integer">118761</id>
  <reference-id></reference-id>
  <requisition-number></requisition-number>
  <source>Naturejobs.com - Ecommerce</source>
  <company-url>http://bionano.ucd.ie</company-url>
  <employer-url>http://bionano.ucd.ie</employer-url>
  <application-email>elena.martines@ucd.ie</application-email>
  <application-url>http://bionano.ucd.ie</application-url>
  <employer-name>Unviersity College Dublin</employer-name>
  <company-name>Unviersity College Dublin</company-name>
  <description>
    <![CDATA[The Bionanoscience Group at University College Dublin (http://bionano.ucd.ie/) has several exciting, multi-disciplinary opportunities available for highly motivated graduates to join on fully funded PhD studentships. The group has expertise in Atomic force microscopy, synthesis of novel superparamagnetic particles, generation of novel antibodies using phage display, advanced surface chemistries, microfabrication, and single molecule fluorescence measurements, with strong international collaborations in the US and across Europe.

We invite applications from highly motivated individuals with good communication skills that are available to start in early 2010. 

Position 1: A background in physics or engineering with a strong interest in biophysics and microscopy is desirable. The PhD project is to measure the forces between cell adhesion molecules on live neuronal cells. Our Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) experiments aim at elucidating the role of mechanical forces in the growth cone directional movements of Aplysia neurons. Understanding the mechanism by which neurons direct their movements is key to providing new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and medical interventions for regeneration after injury.

The project provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to engage in highly multidisciplinary research using state-of-the-art AFM, laser microscopy, cell culture and molecular immobilisation techniques. Single Molecule Biophysics is available in the Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin (http://www.ucd.ie/conway/).
 
Position 2: A background in chemistry or physics with strong interest in materials chemistry and synthesis is desirable. The PhD project involves investigating methods of synthesizing superparamagnetic particles, invoking unusual geometries and functionalizing their surfaces with chemistries capable of controlled bioconjugation. These particles, in conjunction with micro fluidic devices, have been previously shown by the group to aid in the detection of dengue virus (The Analyst, 2008, 133, 233-240.).  

University College Dublin is the largest university in Ireland situated 2 miles from the city centre, whose origin dates back to 1854. There are over 22,000 students including over 3,200 international students from more than 110 countries. The student will join a multidisciplinary group of researchers and will have access to outstanding research facilities at the UCD Conway Institute and School of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

For applications and further information, please send a cover letter stating which position you are interested in along with a CV including the contact details for two references to elena.martines@ucd.ie]]>
  </description>
  <location>Dublin, Ireland</location>
  <title>Fully-funded PhD Studentships in Bionanosciences </title>
  <created-on type="datetime">Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:47:08 -0400</created-on>
  <expires-on type="datetime">Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500</expires-on>
  <url>http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/118761-Fully-funded-PhD-Studentships-in-Bionanosciences</url>
  <packages>
  </packages>
</job>
