Introduction
Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship, funded by the MRC, to commence in October 2012, in the Biomineral Research Section, on the Nanominerals programme under the supervision of Dr Jonathan Powell.
The Biomineral Research Section has shown that mineral nanoparticles and microparticles accumulate in human gut tissue. These are mainly derived naturally from the diet or are food additives. What has not yet been carried out is a systematic comparison of particle accumulation in Crohn’s disease tissue versus control tissue and this will be the subject of the PhD
The Studentship
The student will liaise with surgical colleagues for tissue collection and will need to develop methodology for the best preparation of such tissues to allow in-situ microscopic detection and quantitation of particles. The student will also develop methodology to assess accumulation of these particles in different anatomical sites of the gut, as well as an ICP technique to measure titanium levels as a biomarker for food additive particles. Cell types associated with the particles will be identified by immuno-staining. If time allows, the student may undertake an absorption study in patient volunteers and healthy volunteers to compare absorption into the blood stream of food additive particles.
Training
Training will be in several areas: firstly obtaining ethics permission whilst liaising with surgical colleagues to enable this; secondly in the generation of microscopy and ICP technology for tissue analysis; thirdly in particle science; fourthly in nutrition and gastrointestinal science, especially with respect to mineral and mineral particle exposure and uptake; and finally in the aetio-pathogensis of inflammatory bowel disease. Training will be undertaken on-site and through close collaboration with the Multi Imaging Centre, University of Cambridge.
The successful candidate will be registered with the University of Cambridge and should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject. The studentship is available to UK residents and EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for at least the previous three years. Further information about residence eligibility criteria can be found at www.mrc.ac.uk.
Further information about MRC Human Nutrition Research can be obtained from our website (www.mrc-hnr.cam.ac.uk). Informal enquiries are welcomed to Dr Jonathan Powell
Applicants should provide a full CV and covering letter explaining their interest in the studentship, and details of two academic referees. Please email to Miss Pippa Eyre or post to Postgraduate Administrator, MRC Human Nutrition Research, Fulbourn Road, Cambridge CB1 9NL.
Closing date: 7th January 2011
Anticipated Interviews: Mid-February 2012