Visualizing cellular control centres: Advanced imaging of centrosomes to understand disease

About the Project

Project:

Cells rely on tiny but essential structures called centrosomes, which act as control centres to organize their internal skeleton and guide cell division. When centrosomes malfunction, cells can divide incorrectly, leading to diseases such as cancer and developmental disorders. Understanding centrosome structure and dynamics is therefore critical for both fundamental biology and human health.

This project will explore centrosomes using advanced imaging techniques, including super-resolution and live-cell microscopy. You will visualize centrosomes in living cells, track their behaviour over time, and analyse changes in response to genetic or chemical perturbations. Combining imaging with quantitative analysis will allow you to uncover patterns that explain how centrosomes maintain proper cell function.

The work will involve hands-on training in cell culture, microscopy, and computational image analysis. You will design experiments, optimize imaging conditions, and interpret complex datasets. Alongside technical skills, you will develop problem-solving abilities and scientific reasoning, gaining experience presenting results in lab meetings and communicating findings to a broader audience.

By revealing the dynamic behaviour of centrosomes, this research will contribute to understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie disease. The insights gained could inform future strategies for early diagnosis or treatment of conditions linked to abnormal cell division. This project is ideal for those who are curious and want to apply cutting-edge science to real-world problems and make meaningful contributions to biomedical research.

Training

You will receive training in super-resolution and live-cell imaging, fluorescence microscopy, and image analysis software. You will learn core skills such as experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The project emphasizes hands-on mentoring and encourages independent thinking within a collaborative lab environment. By the end of the PhD, you will have developed a versatile skill set, from laboratory techniques to computational analysis and scientific writing, providing a strong foundation for careers in academic research, biotechnology, or biomedical imaging.

The project aims to generate high-quality, publishable data on centrosome dynamics in mammalian cells, including imaging datasets and analytical workflows. You will have the opportunity to present findings at national and international conferences, contributing to the wider scientific community. You will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing peer-reviewed publications and potentially software tools or protocols from the lab. This work will provide tangible contributions to the fields of cell biology and biomedical imaging while enhancing your profile for future research or industry positions.