Assessment of phototherapy with model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae

About the Project

Project Overview:

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is extensively used as model organism and is well understood from a sequencing perspective so up-regulation or down-regulation of gene expression is tractable. You will perform dry media studies in petri dishes and try to analyse changes in proliferation rates of yeast cells subjected to different intensities and modulation regimes of light exposure, at optical, infrared or terahertz frequency bands. Microscopy techniques and mass spectrometry will be used to observe over-expression and under-expression of marker proteins as a result of exposure to different types of radiation. This will require sample preparation, development of new optoelectronics exposure schemes, optogenetics, use of electrophoresis, matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation, and the use of amino-acid and protein databases in mass spectrometry to evaluate responses following irradiation. Novel analysis techniques for mass spectrometry based on artificial intelligence based radiomics approaches or possibly through the use of state space models may also be developed.

The research is important from the perspective of gaining better understanding of cellular metabolism and function as well as proliferation by clearly distinguishing between thermal and non-thermal effects of radiation in cells (e.g., through the observation of over-expression of stress proteins) and has applications to cellular growth and function. In addition, it can perhaps enable the development of new treatments to uncontrolled growths (cancers). Finally, the new analysis techniques, if successful, will have an impact in advancing mass spectrometry.

Biomedical Engineering Instrumentation Group:

The group has currently 3 PhD students, one working on new microscopy analysis techniques for fluorescent lifetime imaging, one on new microscopy image analysis techniques based on Clifford algebras, and one on THz imaging. In addition, there are several final year students involved in developing new THz imaging modalities and signal processing techniques. Past collaborations include the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Octopus facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). There are also strong international collaboration links with several research groups in Brazil, especially in the general area of state space analysis for signal processing.

School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London and 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport.

Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. Our research ranges from understanding and improving human health and combating disease, through to understanding evolutionary processes and uncovering new ways to protect the natural world. In 2020, we moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health & Life Sciences building. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching.

In the School of Biological Sciences, you will be joining a vibrant community of ~180 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities. Our students publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and organise a range of exciting outreach and public engagement activities.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision in one-to-one and small group sessions. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and learn the latest research techniques. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If English is not your first language, the University's excellent International Study and Language Institute will help you develop your academic English skills.

The University of Reading is a welcoming community for people of all faiths and cultures. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and will work to ensure that you are supported personally and academically.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent) in either Biological Sciences or Engineering/Bioengineering or a strongly-related discipline and have a spirit for adventure in research and discipline hopping. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional courses that can help with meeting these requirements. With a commitment to improving diversity in science and engineering, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Biological Sciences via our online application system.

Further information:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/biological-sciences/research

Enquiries:

Dr. Sillas Hadjiloucas, email: s.hadjiloucas@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project.
If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.