At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a pioneering project to develop innovative imaging techniques for infection diagnosis.
- Company: King's College London, a leading research institution in the UK.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and access to professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with top clinicians and scientists in a dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by tackling antimicrobial resistance through advanced diagnostics.
- Qualifications: Strong MSc/MRes background in microbiology, biomedical science, chemistry, or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Revolutionising Infection Diagnosis Through Targeted Radiometal Imaging
Background of the Project:
People with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, organ transplants, or immunodeficiencies face higher risks of infection, complications, and death. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is vital to improve outcomes in these vulnerable groups. However, clinical diagnosis of microbial infections is often challenging, and noninvasive methods tend to perform poorly. Existing lab techniques typically require invasive sample collection, followed by time-consuming culture and antibiotic resistance testing. These methods delay results and lack real-time monitoring to assess disease burden or pinpoint the infection site. Imaging tools that specifically target pathogens are highly sought after to improve noninvasive infection diagnosis and localisation. Currently, no clinical imaging test can reliably distinguish infections from inflammation or malignancy or differentiate between bacterial and fungal infections.
Emerging research is exploring radiometals conjugated with targeting molecules for in vivo imaging of infections via PET or SPECT. These agents can also be linked to therapeutics, enabling combined diagnosis and targeted antimicrobial treatment (theranostics)—offering a promising tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
At King's College London, in collaboration with clinicians as well as scientists from UKSHA, we have set up a unique facility to develop radiotracers (conjugating radiometals with different targeted molecules) and to evaluate them biologically in vitro and in vivo. We work closely with clinicians, King's translational and King's IP & Licensing team. Our team has expertise in working with industry to develop radiopharmaceutical kits.
What we offer:
We are offering an exciting and ambitious PhD research opportunity to explore different molecules/targets to develop infection-specific radiotracers and navigating their clinical translation. Depending on the project choice/previous experience/interests, as a PhD student, you will gain hands-on experience in:
- Synthetic chemistry and analytical techniques (HPLC, LC–MS, NMR)
- Designing and synthesising compounds for bacterial or fungal new targets or developing theragnostic agents
- Radiation safety, regulation and handling radioisotopes
- Radiochemistry (radiolabelling of compounds, purity, stability and in vitro characterisation of radiolabelled compounds using radio iTLC and radio-HPLC)
- Microbiological assays (microbial cell growth and maintenance, in vitro evaluation of radiolabelled compounds in different microbial pathogens) & tissue culture-based ex vivo evaluation
- Ethical and regulatory compliance for animal study (Home Office licensing in the UK)
- Preclinical animal studies (in vivo studies in healthy and infection model), Imaging data acquisition and analysis (Positron Emission Tomography)
Complementary training includes research ethics, scientific communication, project management, and collaboration across clinical and scientific disciplines—equipping you to contribute to innovative diagnostics and targeted therapies in the fight against infectious diseases and AMR.
Candidate Requirement:
We prioritise candidates with a strong MSc/MRes background who have demonstrated research skills through their dissertation in microbiology, biomedical science, chemistry, biology or relevant subjects. However, a 1st or 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in above-stated subjects with lab-based project experience is also welcomed.
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Vincenzo Abbate (email: vincenzo.abbate@kcl.ac.uk) to discuss in detail before applying for this PhD studentship. Please apply via the King's Apply website (https://apply.kcl.ac.uk) to the School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Science (PhD).
PHD Studentship, Analytics, Environmental & Forensics in London employer: King’s College London
King's College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant research environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of biological sciences. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a strong emphasis on professional development, PhD students will gain invaluable hands-on experience while contributing to groundbreaking research aimed at revolutionising infection diagnosis. The supportive work culture encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that employees are well-equipped to tackle real-world challenges in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PHD Studentship, Analytics, Environmental & Forensics in London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
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Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
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Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like King’s College London!
We think you need these skills to ace PHD Studentship, Analytics, Environmental & Forensics in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show King’s College London that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at King’s College London.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that King’s College London does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at King’s College London. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into King’s College London's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at King’s College London. This shows your passion for the industry!
