.:: PhD Notice :: University of Southampton, Southampton, UK ::.

[Michele Avoni]

PhD Position, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

Position:	PhD Position
Organization:	University of Southampton
Location:	Southampton, UK

Description:

Biological tissues are complex composite materials consisting of components with typical sizes from about 1 nm to about 10 μm. The ultrastructural/macromolecular organization of these components is tightly correlated to the mechanical properties of a tissue and in determining locations of failure initiation, the local deformations, as well as principal effects involved. Hence, in order to understand these properties, knowledge of the ultrastructure and its behaviour under stress is essential. For such investigations the atomic force microscope is the perfect instrument, offering spatial resolution of about 1 nm, allowing to probe samples in hydrated condition, and in situ mechanical testing experiments. The project will be centred on the development and first experiments with an in situ mechanical testing apparatus for use during atomic force microscopy imaging. A first prototype of the device is currently in development at an industrial partner. It is envisioned that the PhD student will be in frequent contact with, and at times visit, the industrial partner in order to participate in design and development of control software, development of software tools for mechanical and image data analysis, as well as in improving forthcoming prototypes. In addition, validation experiments on samples that can be mechanically tested with another small-scale mechanical tester available within the Bioengineering Group are planned. Most importantly the project will be focused on the imaging of biological tissue samples subjected to tensile loads. Of particular interest are the imaging of plasticity and failure effects in bone and the determination of local strains involved in this process. The latter are to be computed using custom image processing software. Other samples of interest are teeth, tendon, ligaments, and living cells.

Qualifications:

The candidate should possess excellent communication skills and be highly motivated to work with an industrial partner. Previous experience with atomic force microscopy, image processing, mechanical testing, or equipment design are a plus. The studentship is available to candidates with the equivalent of a first class or upper second class degree in relevant disciplines, e.g. mechanical engineering, bioengineering, physics, materials science. The studentship is at the standard EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) rate

Contact:

	Philipp Thurner
	University of Southampton
	School of Engineering Sciences
Phone:	+44-2380-594640
Fax:	+44-2380-593016
Email:	p.th...@soton.ac.uk

The official advert can be found at: http://www.soton.ac.uk/ses/docs/PhD/sept/Bio%20(P%20Thurner)%20Nanoscale%20failure%20effects%20in%20biological%20tissues%20assessed%20by%20atomic%20force%20microscopy.pdf