PhD studentship in metabolomics
Business Type: University / Medical School
Job Type: Research Scientist
Region: UK
Location: Nottingham
Contact Name: Dr. Clare Daykin
Contact Email: clare.daykin@nottingham.ac.uk
Contact Telephone: +44 115 9515052
Employer: University of Nottingham
Background
The general aim of metabolomics is to identify, measure, and interpret the complex time and condition dependent concentration, activity or flux of metabolites in cells, tissues, and other biosamples such as blood, urine, and saliva and more recently, sweat [M. Harker, H. Coulson, I. Fairweather, D. Taylor, C.A. Daykin (2006), Study of metabolite composition of eccrine sweat from healthy male and female human subjects by 1H NMR spectroscopy, Metabolomics, 2: 105-112].
In this project, the student will be engaged in the application of a battery of metabolomic methodologies, in order to provide novel insights into the composition of apocrcine secretions, thus leading to new biological observations into malodour. It is anticipated that the methodologies to be applied will include: micro-volume NMR spectroscopy, nanospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS), and capillary electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence (CE-LIF). Extensive use of a chemometric toolbox will then be required to link the exhaustive metabolic profiles generated to useful biological conclusions.
The student will join a well-equipped bioanalytical group based in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham. The 2006 edition of 'The Times Good University Guide? ranked the School of Pharmacy as the top pharmacy school in the UK and we hold a ranking of 'International Excellence' for our research. Nottingham University has also recently won the THES 'Institution of the Year' award . In addition, the studentship will be run in collaboration with Unilever Research and Development, based in Port Sunlight, UK. The student will therefore benefit from training in both academia and industry, leading to greater breadth of experience and an increased commercial awareness.
Qualifications
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain a First Class or Upper Second Class BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry or related subject with experience in analytical science, or MSc in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry or related subject with experience in anaytical science. Practical experience in any of the following areas: bioanalysis, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry or chemometrics would be an advantage, though a keen interest and willingness to learn is more essential.
Additional Notes
FUNDING:
Provided from a BBSRC-CASE award with Unilever. University fees are covered by the award and a tax-free stipend of approximately £14800 pa for 3 years (21700 euros, exact amount to be confirmed) will be paid directly to the student to cover living expenses.
ELIGIBILITY:
The position is available to UK citizens and other EU citizens who have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years. Please note that due to the nature of the funding for this project, applicants from outside the EU can not be considered.
LOCALE:
The studentship will be based at the main University campus of Nottingham University in the UK, with the opportunity to spend time with the industrial sponsor.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please apply either by 1) e-mail to Clare Daykin (
clare.daykin@nottingham.ac.uk) with a current CV and covering letter, or 2) posting CV and cover letter to: Dr. Clare Daykin, School of Pharmacy Boots Science Building, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham UK, NG7 2RD
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