About the project
This project will reimagine gel electrophoresis into an innovative engineered microfluidic system, tailored to match the latest long-read sequencing methods for genomic medicine and health data science. By shrinking a decades-old method, that remains essential to DNA analysis, we will enable faster, higher quality genomic analysis.
Genomic medicine revolutions have been driven by advances in sequencing technology, promising precision medicine and healthcare advances that benefit patients and society. Long-read DNA sequencing technology capable of examining individual molecules (e.g. within nanopores) allows faster and more precise identification of new gene variants, mutations, and chromosomal translocations. These are central to understanding important diseases and improving treatment. Bioinformatics and health data science depend on high quality sequencing data. But these latest sequencing instruments need high quality DNA, which remains challenging to prepare using conventional manual laboratory methods. Conventional gel electrophoresis remains largely unchanged for decades. We aim to shrink current large gel tanks, down to the sub-millimeter scale.
In this project, microfluidic systems with tailored channel and chambers will be designed to manipulate DNA in sequential hydrogel and aqueous phases. These will automate complex workflows while reducing sample damage. Throughput and ease-of-use will be improved, while preserving the fragile long genomic DNA molecules that are critical for long read sequencing. This multidisciplinary project will develop broad skills and understanding that are highly relevant to modern life sciences and biomedical engineering.
Applicants from diverse backgrounds are welcome: a bioscientist will gain expertise in microfluidic and microelectronic engineering; an engineer will develop a deep understanding of modern bioscience and genomic medicine. The supervisory team brings together expertise in bioanalytic miniaturisation (Edwards), electrophoresis and microsystems engineering (Green), and genomic medicine (Ennis). You'll benefit from excellence across Electronics and Computer Science and Medicine, benefiting from a dynamic and innovative research environment.
Alongside technical training in microfluidics, microelectronics, and modern molecular biology, you'll be encouraged to develop an entrepreneurial and innovation mindset. Southampton hosts excellent translational communities that support doctoral students in developing an understanding of the commercial potential of their research. By bridging the application within advanced genomic medicine, across to fundamental biomolecule analysis, you'll develop expertise in ensuring their biomedical engineering activities are relevant to real-world applications. This training will equip you for a broad range of careers, from academic research through healthcare innovation, to industry.
The School of Electronics and Computer Science is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
