Applicants are invited to study for a PhD in Bioadhesion. Developing glues that work in wet environments would be extremely useful in surgical applications. Barnacles have evolved underwater mechanisms to cement themselves to all sorts of surfaces, producing strong bonds via a multi-protein complex. The nature of this complex and its synthesis is poorly known and will be characterized during this study. Analysis of the cement apparatus will involve ultrastructure analyses and histology while investigating protein(s) composition of cements will entail protein mass analyses. Preliminary investigations of structure/function and mechanical properties of cement proteins will also be addressed.
Candidates must meet College of Science NUIG requirements i.e. either M.Sc. or B.Sc. (grade 2.1 or equivalent) in biological sciences, biomedical engineering or related disciplines. Enthusiasm for research and an ability to work independently are essential. Experience in histology, histochemistry, molecular biology or protein chemistry would be an advantage, as would a full clean driving license. The position will involve travel between collaborating institutions. The position is for four years and is based in the laboratory of Dr Anne Marie Power, Department of Zoology, Martin Ryan Institute, NUI Galway (http://mri.nuigalway.ie), in collaboration with Dr Janek Von Byern at the Cell Imaging & Ultrastructure Research Unit, University of Vienna, Austria (http://www.univie.ac.at/cius/us/en/index.htm ) and Dr Ingo Grunwald at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology & Applied Materials Research, Bremen, Germany. The successful candidate will be expected to take part in research cruises. The project is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (Research Frontiers) and the PhD student will work closely with PhD students in Biodiscovery (Beaufort Award funded by the Marine Institute) and collaborating researchers funded by the Austrian Science Foundation.
To apply please send 2 things: 1) a letter of application outlining your particular interest in the project 2) a CV (this must detail grades achieved in previous degrees) and the contact details of two referees to annemarie.power@nuigalway.ie (Tel: +353 91 493015). The deadline for receipt of applications is Thurs 20 Aug 2009.
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