School of Biosciences

This project is due to start in October 2011.

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship funded by KESS (Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship) to work with Dr Emyr Lloyd-Evans (Cardiff School of Biosciences) & Dr Arwyn Jones (Cardiff School of Pharmacy) on improved techniques for isolation of pure cellular organelles with magnetic ferrofluid. 

Project focus

The aim of this project is to utilise superparamagnetic ferrofluid, developed by our partner Liquids Research Ltd., as a novel tool to rapidly isolate ultra-high purity subcellular organelles. To-date, most techniques rely upon either centrifugation or FACS sorting of cellular homogenate to purify organelles. These methods usually result in a high degree of impurity (contaminating membranes from other organelles) that curtails further research. We have developed a simple magnetic purification method utilising ferrofluid to obtain cellular lysosomes at ultra-high purity with no contamination. Our principal aim is to develop this assay as the method of choice for rapid high purity purification of functional organelles. In addition, we will utilise the assay to address fundamental questions in the field of lysosomal research, particularly mechanisms of lysosomal calcium signalling, phago-lysosome fusion defects in infectious disease and lysosomal storage disease pathogenesis.

This PhD project will complement the work of our laboratory, which is focused on understanding the fundamental functions of lysosomes and the role of lysosomal proteins in human health and disease. This PhD project has the potential to change the methods used by laboratories worldwide for purifying subcellular organelles and may lead to significant breakthroughs in basic lysosomal biology.

Training provided

The successful candidate will integrate into a new and vibrant research team where they will learn a number of skills in the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and industry (with Liquids Research). The work outline requires the student to develop skills in tissue culture, microbiology, subcellular fractionation, magnetic separation, FACS sorting, protein biochemistry, lipid biochemistry, proteomics, calcium signalling, electron microscopy, fluorescence and confocal microscopy. In addition to the practical skills the student will gain experience in experimental design, critical analysis and presentation skills. This PhD will therefore provide the successful candidate with all the necessary tools for a future career in scientific research.

Background to the award

KESS is a collaborative project involving nine Universities in Wales, supported by European Social Fund Convergence programme funding (2009-14). KESS supports doctoral awards at Cardiff which are jointly sponsored by employers based in Convergence areas of Wales.

The key objectives of KESS to:

• Increase the research capacity of SMEs by linking with a PhD / Masters project.
• Encourage SMEs to undertake research and recruit researchers.
• Prepare and train individuals to contribute to research as professionals
• Support the development of key technologies in the Convergence area
• Promote Higher-level Skills Development

Funding Criteria

Full UK/EU fees and a stipend starting at £13,688 for 2010/11. Candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. Have a home or work address in a Convergence area of Wales(CAW)* at the time of their application to the University;
2. Have the right to take up paid work in the Convergence area of Wales* on completion of the scholarship;
3. Be classified by the University as ‘home’ or ‘EU’ according to the University’s guidelines.

*The Convergence area of Wales covers West Wales and the Valleys made up of 15 local authorities: Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen.

KESS award holders are also required to participate in other skills training undertaken as part of the KESS project relating to attainment of a KESS Postgraduate Skills Award. This will include a 3-day GRAD-School and other needs-based training courses.

Academic Criteria:

Candidates should satisfy Cardiff University's admissions criteria (as outlined in the Code of Practice for Research Degrees) - applicants for research PhDs are normally expected to have one or both of the following:
• a first degree, normally with class 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant subject;
• a relevant Master's qualification or equivalent.

Informal enquiries about the project : Dr. Emyr Lloyd-Evans (Lloyd-EvansE@cardiff.ac.uk)

Application details

Applicants for KESS funding should hold an offer of PhD place at Cardiff University.
Applications for PhD study at Cardiff can be made online at: 
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/general/applyonline/biosipgr.html

Further details on KESS and application forms for KESS funding can be found at:
http://www.cf.ac.uk/racdv/expertise/kess/vacancies.html