Scholarship in UK.

Regenerative cell transplantation therapies are being developed here and abroad to treat a range of diseases and pathology.Predictive cell potency is an understanding of how the characteristic of cells (or mixed cell populations) in such therapies relates to their regenerative capacity after transplantation. To establish predictive measures, it is important to develop new screening techniques that can be applied to cells prior to treatment of patients. This knowledge will help us to target the “best” cells for the “best” therapy in the future.

The aim of this studentship is to evaluate the use of “high throughput screening of predicted cell potency for cell-based regenerative medicine” using state of the art cell culture and imaging technology. A variety of laboratory techniques will be used to screen the phenotype of mesenchymal stem cells, along with other cell types, e.g. neurons, skin cells, chondrocytes. The investigation will enable the student to develop excellent skills in cell culture, gene and protein analysis, immunological techniques, microscopy and computer-assisted image analysis.

The student will interact directly with the industrial partner Imagen-Biotech Ltd in Manchester spending a minimum of 6 months during the Studentship in the company laboratories. The student will also be encouraged to collaborate with partner clinicians in the NHS, with a particular emphasis on the application of adult stem cell therapies in spinal cord injury and orthopaedics.

• Applicants should have, or be expecting, a good honours degree (either first class or upper second class) or hold an MSc in a relevant discipline.

• If you are an EU Applicant, the English Language requirements are a minimum score of 620 (260 minimum in computer test) in TOEFL OR IELTS with minimum marks of 6.5 in each section and an overall band of 7.0.

• Overseas students are not eligible for funding.

• The project is available to students meeting the University and School academic entry requirements and will be awarded competitively on merit.




Application Deadline 16 August 2010

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