Synthetic Biology for Human Health

PhD studentship network starting 2012-13

Three Fully-funded PhD studentships (UK, EU level) are available for entry in 2012 in this newly created PhD training network to study technical and social challenges related to the use of synthetic biology in healthcare. Two projects will employ cutting-edge interdisciplinary synthetic biology approaches to address two major technical challenges in healthcare, namely production of biomacromolecules for therapeutic use (Project 1) and the detection of pathogens in drinking water (Project 2). Both areas have the potential for major global impact in the developed and developing world. Alongside these, research to understand the socio-technical dynamics of collaborative research will be conducted (Project 3). The three projects will be managed as part of a cohesive research grouping in synthetic biology and the students will thus benefit from a broad multi-disciplinary approach.

The deadline for applications will be 3rd February 2011 and interviews will be held in late February or early March.

Details of the three projects are listed below and students are invited to contact the relevant supervisors for more information:

Project 1: Synthetic Biology Produced Collagen: Engineering a bacterial biomaterials manufacturing platform

The aim of this project is to a synthetic biology approach to generate designer collagen molecules using engineered Escherichia coli strains that secrete collagen chains into the media to aid ease of purification. This will have major benefits in the areas of tissue engineering, stem cell therapies, regenerative medicine and burns wound treatment. In addition the engineering of an efficient bacterial protein secretion strain and genetic device for the production of collagens will also be portable to secrete many biomedically important proteins of interest and thus have great potential for further development.

This is a collaborative project between Dr Graham Stafford (Faculty of Medicine) and Professor Phillip Wright (ChELSi, Dept of Chemical and Biological Engineering).

Applications are invited from highly motivated and talented students holding, or expecting to obtain, the equivalent of at least an upper second (2:1) or First Class degree in a relevant subject area. Please contact Dr Graham Stafford (g.stafford@sheffield.ac.uk) or Professor Phillip Wright (p.c.wright@sheffield.ac.uk) for further details.

Project 2: Use of Synthetic Biology Devices for Pathogen Detection for Water Quality and Health

The aim of this project is the development of a direct detection system for water-borne pathogens using cutting-edge synthetic biology approaches. The key challenges are to develop a modular biosensor system that is robust, reliable, accurate and fast, whilst also considering the potential deployment of the biosensor within water distribution systems. The project will involve the development and production of genetic biosensor devices in a novel bacterial expression system aimed at ultimate deployment in the field.

This is a collaborative project between Professor Catherine Biggs (ChELSi, Dept of Chemical and Biological Engineering) and Dr Stuart Hunt (Faculty of Medicine).

Applications are invited from highly motivated and talented students holding, or expecting to obtain, the equivalent of at least an upper second (2:1) or First Class degree in a relevant subject area. Please contact Professor Catherine Biggs (c.biggs@sheffield.ac.uk) or Dr Stuart Hunt (s.hunt@sheffield.ac.uk) for further details.

Project 3: Frontier bugs: innovation and salvation in biomedical research

There is a debate in the world of synthetic biology regarding what may be the ‘right’ kinds of applications to prioritise within this newly emerging field. Policy rhetoric states that synthetic biology is capable of addressing a wide range of societal problems; seemingly a silver bullet for many ills. This research project aims to explore dynamics of change in collaborative scientific research, asking the question: “Are synthetic biology approaches to healthcare-related applications, and the structure of discussions surrounding them, novel?” A range of approaches will be used to explore this question that will involve literature and ethnographic field work (observation of Projects 1 and 2) alongside development of new methods of research, combining sociological and historical work. Emerging findings will be fed back in to the associated Network projects to facilitate ongoing discussions with the scientists and engineers on notions of innovation and responsibility.

This is a collaborative project between Dr Susan Molyneux-Hodgson (Sociological Studies) and Dr Holger Nehring (History).

Applications are invited from highly motivated and talented students holding, or expecting to obtain, at least an upper second (2:1) or First Class degree in a relevant subject area. Masters qualifications are highly desirable. Please contact Dr Susan Molyneux-Hodgson (s.hodgson@shef.ac.uk) and Dr Holger Nehring (h.nehring@shef.ac.uk).

Information is also available at the following websites:
MATEs (Microbial Applications in Tissue Engineering): http://www.synbio.group.shef.ac.uk/synbio/
ChELSI (Chemical Engineering and the Life Science Interface): http://www.shef.ac.uk/chelsi
PWG (Pennine Water Group): http://www.shef.ac.uk/penninewatergroup
SATIS (Science and Technology in Society): http://www.shef.ac.uk/socstudies/research/centres/satis


Award details

Each scholarship will cover the cost of UK/EU tuition fees and provides an annual, tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard Research Council rate (£13,590 in 2011-12). The recipient will also receive a Research Training Support Grant of £1000 per year. International applicants will need to pay the difference between the UK/EU and Overseas tuition fees.

Eligibility

• Academic requirements – applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK in an appropriate area of study.
• Allowed study options – applicants should be registering on their first year of study with the University for 2012-13.
• Residency restrictions – awards are open to UK, EU and international applicants.

How to apply

• Applicants are advised to contact supervisors to discuss their application
• Complete an application for admission as a postgraduate student before the 3rd February 2011 - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply
• On the application form please state you are applying for this project and briefly outline your reasons for doing so.

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview. Interviews for Project 3 are likely to be held on Monday 27th Feb. 2012.