PhD Study : CRISPsense: Next generation nanotechnology for single nucleotide polymorphism analysis

Summary

The project aims to investigate the development of innovative technology formed from the integration of nanoplasmonic materials with biology to detect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs).

The primary application of the proposed technology will overcome the limitations associated with the conventional nucleic acid detection strategies to afford low-cost and fully integrated compact nucleic acid-based diagnostic tools to expand their clinical utility. SNPs remain the most common type of genetic variation among people resulting from a difference in a single DNA building block, called a nucleotide. It is well known that SNPs occur once in every 1,000 nucleotides on average, which means there are roughly 4 to 5 million SNPs in a person's genome. These SNPs are responsible for many genetic differences in the population around the world. For instance, some SNPs account for differences in phenotypic characteristics while others can affect how humans develop diseases or respond to drugs. Therefore, SNPs can act as biological markers, helping scientists to discover genes associated with diseases. On the other hand, CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful genome editing technology in which a single-stranded RNA (guided RNA) confers target site specificity to achieve protein (Cas9) mediated genome editing. CRISPR-Cas9 technology can be customised to detect SNPs of interest in a given genome. In this context SNPs, which alter biological functions of cells leading to cancer, in large sequences of unknown DNA can be detected using CRISPER technology.

Moreover, these biorecognition elements can be detected with advanced biosensors comprising of nanomaterials which enable electronic and optical response. The proposed nanomaterials in this project will explore the potential of plasmonic nanomaterials, developed in our prior research [1], for integration with the potentiometric and amperometric sensing techniques. All binding kinetics and the RNA-DNA-protein interactions will be monitored in real time using the proposed sensor technology allowing detection of SNPs without the need of DNA amplification and in a label-free manner. The whole system will further be integrated with a microfluidic platform for precise manipulation of low volumes of fluid to enhance selectivity and sensitivity towards the detection of SNPs [2].

This is a highly inter-disciplinary project. The researcher will thus gain comprehensive experience in nanofabrication, characterisation and design of novel biosensors, surface functionalisation techniques, analytical biophysical tools and basic microbiology. The project also involves a fully funded 4-month internship in OIST, Japan where the researcher will work with Prof. Amy Q. Shen to integrate microfluidic technology for the biosensor developed in Ulster University.

References;

[1] ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 10, 219-226. 2018

[2] Biosensors and Bioelectronics 142, 111528. 2019

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living