PhD Studentships in Health & Life Sciences - De Montfort University

PhD Studentships


Health & Life Sciences


Two fully funded sponsored PhD studentships are available to candidates.
Each of the studentships is available for three years full-time study
and provides a substantial bursary. Candidates should hold a good first
degree (First Class, Upper-Second Class or equivalent) in a relevant
subject area.

We would welcome applications from suitable qualified candidates to
study in Health & Life Sciences with regard to the following projects:

1. Spectroscopic Discrimination of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in hospital-acquired infections
represents a considerable burden to healthcare delivered globally. This
research project aims to develop mass and vibrational spectroscopic
approaches of intact-cell analysis for discrimination and
characterisation of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Proteomic techniques,
such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, will be used to identify
biomarkers of antibacterial resistance on the surface of bacterial
isolates. Candidates should have a strong interest in bacteriology and
molecular biology. Laboratory based practical experience in
microbiology, molecular biology and proteomic techniques would be an
advantage.

2. Research concerning disabled young people

Funding is available for research on disabled young people in the age
range 16-24. Any area of research will be considered, but we are most
likely to support research in the following: transitions to adulthood,
orientations to paid work, constructions of young disabled identities,
and governmental discourses on disabled young people and policy (for
example Every Child Matters) impact on disabled young people. We would
look favourably on a related theme if the project is innovative and well
argued. We are not likely to fund topics specifically focused on
disabled young people and the impact of compulsory age schooling. We
have a range of internationally recognised academics in disability,
youth, social inclusion, user-led research and empowerment who would be
able to supervise a range of possible methodological, epistemological,
theoretical and philosophical approaches to disability and young
peoples' lives. Disability is taken to include young people with
physical impairments, mental health problems, learning difficulties and
social learning difficulties (for example Asperger syndrome).

Applications are welcome from citizens from the EU and those with
overseas status.

Enquiries should in the first instance go to the Research Office, De
Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH
Telephone: 0116 2506309. Web: www.dmu.ac.uk <http://www.dmu.ac.uk/>

Closing Date: 2 May 2008

Applicants are requested to contact the office to receive an admission
pack and will need to provide a full CV with two supporting references.
Please e-mail: researchstudents@dmu.ac.uk or call (0116) 2506309 to
receive further details