PhD project - Developing label free spectroscopic techniques for virology - a novel analytical approach through multidisciplinary partnership (ViroSPEC)

Developing label free spectroscopic techniques for virology – a novel analytical approach through multidisciplinary partnership (ViroSPEC)

Applications are sought for (x2) Postgraduate Student positions associated with the Science Foundation Ireland, Frontiers for Partnership project ViroSPEC, in collaboration with University College Dublin, based in the FOCAS Research Institute, Technological University Dublin.
The project aims to systematically explore the application of novel vibrational spectroscopic techniques, to the analysis of respiratory viral infections, in vitro. It will address key questions related to:
(i) Effects of mutations on the efficacy of attachment and viral entry,
(ii) Impacts of different intracellular replication mechanisms,
(iii) The role of cellular secretions, including cytokines and endosomes.
The research programme will combine established virological and cytological techniques with label free spectroscopic microscopy, chemometrics and kinetic simulations, to establish novel methodologies for virological analytical research and potentially diagnostic screening, while consolidating the collaborative research partnership between TU Dublin and UCD through shared supervision of postgraduate researchers. It further engages the National Virus Reference Laboratory, and national experts in Queen’s University Belfast, as collaborators and potential end users of the methodologies developed.
The Postgraduate Projects will specifically explore:
(i) The viral attachment and replication processes in cells
(ii) The role of cellular secretions, including cytokines and endosomes.
in in vitro cellular samples, using a combination of Raman microspectroscopic, coupled with chemometric analyses.
Proposed Starting Date; on or before September 1st, 2023.

Student requirements for this project
Min. 2.1 BSc in Physics/Chemistry/Biochemistry

Research Centre
FOCAS Research Institute
www.tudublin.ie/focas/

Application deadline 30 April 2023

Funding
Student Stipend € 18,500 p.a.
Materials/ Travel etc. € 3,000 p.a. (approx.)
Fees € 4,500 p.a.

If you are interested in submitting an application for this project, please complete an Expression of Interest.
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