Funding

Funded (UK/EU and international students)

Project code

SMDE8590124

Department

School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

Start dates

April 2024

Application deadline

19 January 2024

Applications are invited for a fully-funded three year PhD to commence in April 2024. 

The PhD will be based in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, and will be supervised by Dr Jovana Radulovic and Dr Charles Wood.

Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£18,622 for 2023/24). Bursary recipients will also receive a £1,500 p.a. for project costs/consumables. 

 

This project involves developing novel lab-based methods for correlative multimodal X-ray microscopy, and may include the following:

  • Integration of third-party components with existing X-ray systems
  • Design of suitable mechanical and/or electrical interfaces
  • Design of hardware for method implementation
  • Utilisation/adaptation of existing code for data readout
  • Development of code for data post-processing
  • Working alongside an industry partner

 

Biological systems are complex and dynamic. They are in a constant state of flux: growing, evolving, adapting, degrading. Understanding their multi-length scale structures is paramount for human, animal, and plant survival. Biological systems are difficult to accurately characterise at the microscopic level with traditional absorption-based X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT). The ‘hard’ X-rays generated by these systems are not readily absorbed by low-Z biological matter. Bone is a good example where sufficient contrast is achieved, but the structural information concerning adjacent soft tissue can often be missed. Phase contrast, produced by the small differences in the refractive indices of materials, can help; however, this type of X-ray imaging within a laboratory setting remains subjective and time consuming. When an X-ray photon interacts with a material, it can either be absorbed, or scattered. These interactions give rise to three X-ray modalities: X-ray imaging, X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction. These interactions occur in every X-ray system (to varying degrees) yet this rich vein of information is not mined adequately. The purpose of correlative multimodal X-ray is to capture much more information using appropriate hardware and software technologies, to provide greater insight into biological systems at the microscopic level. Achieving this within a single experiment is advantageous, since it allows true correlative research to be undertaken on the same region of interest within a sample (also without moving between different experimental apparatus). This project will benefit from state-of-the-art X-ray technology available in the Future Technology Centre, which holds a strong track record for investigating biological systems using hard X-rays. Through the development of correlative multimodal X-ray methods by utilising Zeiss’ Resolution at a Distance (RaaD), this project is strategic for raising the profile of hard X-rays for life science research within the laboratory.

 

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Knowledge of electrical and hardware integration, and experience with a high-level programming language (e.g., C++, Python) is preferred. Further knowledge of X-ray systems would be advantageous but is not considered essential

 

 

 

 

 

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Charles Wood (charles.wood@port.ac.uk) and Dr Jovana Radulovic (jovana.radulovic@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, you can use our . Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SMDE8590124 when applying.