PhD studentship in London, UK - Synthesis and evaluation of contrast agents for biomedical imaging

PhD studentship at King’s College London

Exploiting multimodality: Molecular Imaging of Atherosclerotic lesions using Novel Targeted PET-MRI Contrast Agents

How to apply
Interested candidates please contact Dr Rafael T. M. de Rosales ( rafael.torres at kcl.ac.uk ) with a copy of your CV before the 20th of November 2013.

The project
This project will develop a new toolbox of molecularly targeted contrast agents that are designed to fully exploit the potential of positron emission tomography - magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) bimodal scanners. These contrast agents will specifically target clinically relevant biomolecules involved in a number of important pathophysiological processes, particularly those related to the cardiovascular system.

The student will be supervised by Dr. Rafael T. M. de Rosales (https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/rafael.torres.html) and Prof. Rene Botnar (https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/rene.botnar.html)

Please look at the following links for some of our recent publications related to this project:
ACS Nano: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/nn3046055
Nature Medicine: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nm.2310

Person specification
This project will be best suited for graduates with a BSc/MRes in Chemistry or related areas. Experience in the synthesis of small molecules/peptides/nanoparticles and radiochemistry with metallic radionuclides will be advantageous. The aims of the project have been designed to provide the student with a comprehensive skill set in the medical imaging area. From (radio)synthesis of peptides and nanoparticles to in vitro/vivo characterisation using tissue culture and preclinical imaging techniques. Good command of English is essential.

The host department
The Division of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Imaging at KCL is remarkably well equipped in terms of staff and equipment to carry out this project. The student will benefit from outstanding research and training facilities as well as an interdisciplinary clinical-basic science environment that has been designed to speed up the translation of discoveries into clinical practice. Within the same building (located at St Thomas’ Hospital in central London) the student will be able to do synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular biology, tissue culture and preclinical imaging.

Awards will be at the Home/EU tuition fee rate and will benefit of a bench fee of approx. £5,300 p.a for research expenses. The student will also receive a stipend to cover living expenses.