Current Vacancies
Applications are invited for an EPSRC funded studentship in the School of Physics, University of Exeter,
beginning October 2009, working under the supervision of Dr Julian Moger. The project aims to develop
a novel optical imaging technique for monitoring the mechanisms of nanoparticle drug delivery in both
in-vitro and ex-vivo models. A successful applicant will benefit from a range of interdisciplinary
training in fields including ultra-fast lasers, biophotonics and cell culturing.
In addition pharmaceutical training/support will be provided through collaborations with the London School
of Pharmacy.
At present, 95% of all potential new drug compounds cannot be directly administered as a pharmaceutical
due to poor biocompatibility. This can be overcome by encapsulating the compounds in nanoparticles,
which can also act as depositories for controlled drug release and can actively target specific sites
within the body. The mechanisms by which nanoparticles travel through, interact with, and modify tissues
and how this relates to the improved drug performance are still unclear. Answering these questions is
currently hindered by the lack of an imaging modality to visualise such small particles without the using
contrast agents. This project aims to develop a novel type of label-free optical microscopy, Coherent
Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) for performing such measurements.
Applicants should have (or be about to receive) an honours degree (at least 2.1 or equivalent) in
Physics, or other relevant discipline. Experience in the following areas is desirable: working with
ultra-fast systems, optical spectroscopy, digital signal processing, and computer programming.
Funding Notes
The studentship offers tuition fees and a maintenance grant in accordance with Research Council
eligibility criteria.
Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for two professional
referees, and should be sent to Dr Julian Moger, School of Physics, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QL
For more details email J.Moger@exeter.ac.uk
Closing date: 01/05/2009
