Synthetic Biology of Multicellular Systems in University of Aberdeen Foresterhill

PhD Scholarship 2010

PhD studentship, funded by the Institute of Medical Sciences and supervised by Dr Yasushi Saka, is available for studying synthetic biology of multicellular systems. Genetically identical cells in the same physiological condition can show significant variation in gene expression profile and their behaviour.

One way to reduce the variability among cells is the cell-cell communication by diffusible factors in extracellular space. Examples of cell-cell communication include the so-called community effect in animal development. The community effect is an interaction among a group of many nearby precursor cells, and necessary for them to maintain tissue-specific gene expression and differentiate in a coordinated manner.
Objective: The objective of this project is to elucidate how a community effect affects cell’s behaviour and how cells process external signals and produce coordinated output response as a cell population. We approach this problem by constructing and analysing synthetic gene networks in yeast S.cerevisiae that incorporate an artificial cell-cell communication.
The potential PhD candidate will collaborate with people from other disciplines including physics and computer sciences, and learn how to integrate theoretical/mathematical analyses and experimental results that is central to the project.

Eligibility: Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a First Class or 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. ?

How To Apply:
To apply for a place on the PhD programme, click (www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/apply.shtml). We also encourage you to make informal contact with the supervisor of the project you are interested in. If you have any queries about applying, email us at:
graduateschool-clsm(AT)abdn.ac.uk

Contact:
Graduate School
College of Life Sciences & Medicine
University of Aberdeen
Polwarth Building
Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK

Email: y.saka(AT)abdn.ac.uk

Contact Number: (+44) (0)1224 559679