4 year BBSRC funded PhD Studentship (MIBTP programme)

Applications are invited for a 4 year PhD position in the Birmingham Platelet Group working with Dr Steve Thomas and Dr Natalie Poulter

Summary of Research

Thrombus formation is a fundamental process by which animals are able to respond to injury to prevent blood loss and to promote wound repair. In mammals, platelets are the blood cells that play a critical role this process. The formation of a thrombus is a complex process that involves dynamic interactions between endothelial cells and sub-endothelial matrix proteins of the vessel wall, circulating platelets and the coagulation cascade. It occurs in 3D over time and is influenced by a range of receptors, signalling molecules, plasma components and blood flow.

The aim of this project is to apply Expansion and Light sheet Fluorescence Microscopy to study the role of the cytoskeleton in thrombus formation, in order to increase our understanding of this fundamental mammalian response to blood vessel damage. More details on the project can be found here.

The student will be based in the Birmingham Platelet Group at the University of Birmingham Medical School and will learn cellular and molecular techniques for studying platelet biology as well as using state-of-the-art imaging technology to address fundamental biological questions regarding platelet activation and thrombus formation. Furthermore, the MIBTP programme provides a comprehensive programme of research skills training for all students (https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/pgstudy/trainingprogramme/).

How to Apply

Information on how to apply for the studentship can be found at

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/pgstudy/phd_opportunities/application/

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mibtp/index.aspx

Informal enquires should be addressed to Steve Thomas (s.thomas@bham.ac.uk) or Natalie Poulter (n.poulter@bham.ac.uk)

Application deadline: 10/01/2021