Applications are sought for a funded PhD studentship working with the Structural Biophysics Research Group at Cardiff University to start in October 2013.
Project Overview:Â
The cornea is the primary refracting element in the eye, and over recent years it has become the focus of intense study as new surgeries and laser refractive procedures have been introduced. Despite this, the bases of its precise shape, mechanical properties and remarkable transparency are not known.
The Structural Biophysics Research Group has on-going programmes studying corneal structure and transparency using synchrotron x-ray diffraction and a range of microscopical techniques. Recently, they purchased a volume scanning electron microscope, only the fifth of its kind in the UK, which will allow them to carry out 3-D reconstructions at the ultrastructural level.
As world leaders in the field, the Structural Biophysics Research Group are funded by a £1.8million programme grant from the MRC as well as grants from BBSRC, Fight for Sight and the Wellcome Trust. Although much of their x-ray work is carried out at the Diamond Light Source (Didcot), they regularly use synchrotrons in France and in Japan.
The project will therefore involve travel to these countries as well as to the USA.
Eligibility
Academic Criteria:
Students must hold, or expect to obtain in the near future, a BSc (2.1 or above) or an MSc or its equivalent in Physics, Biology or any relevant scientific discipline.
No previous experience of the specific techniques is required as students will have access to training as is required.
Residency:
Due to funding restrictions, funding is only available for UK or EU students.
About Cardiff University
The University is a member of the Russell Group and internationally recognised as one of Britainâs leading teaching and research universities.
Our Graduate Centre is a unique facility dedicated to meeting the needs of postgraduate students, by providing a wide range of study and social resources and services, exclusive to postgraduates, which complement those offered by our academic schools.
Our University Graduate College enhances the postgraduate experience by providing an extensive training programme, supporting a vibrant research community and developing new facilities and services for postgraduate researchers. The University is attractively and conveniently located at the heart of a modern and vibrant capital city, providing a high quality of life to its students.
More Information, Funding and How to Apply
This is a fully funded PhD studentship with UK/EU fees and a stipend included.
Consideration is automatic on applying for a full-time PhD in Vision Sciences with the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences (October start). Please ensure you include the name of the project and the proposed supervisors in your application, and state in the funding section of the form that you would like to be considered for this studentship.
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Deadline: 31st July 2013
For more information and how to apply please see our website by clicking the Apply link below.
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