Seeing the Invisible: Ultrasound Imaging of Metabolism in Living Animals Imperial College London in United Kingdom

This PhD project, 'Seeing the Invisible: Ultrasound Imaging of Metabolism in Living Animals', offers a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of biomedical imaging. Hosted at Imperial College London within the Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, you will join a world-class, multi-institutional team pioneering genetically encoded acoustic reporter genes (ARGs)—a breakthrough technology likened to a 'GFP for ultrasound' that enables visualization of specific cell populations deep within living animals.

The research aims to address critical questions about how the body regulates blood glucose and body weight, focusing on pancreatic beta cells and gut enteroendocrine cells, which are central to appetite and blood sugar control and underpin transformative medicines like semaglutide. Currently, these cells cannot be non-invasively observed functioning in real time inside a living animal, and this project seeks to change that paradigm.

You will employ transgenic mouse models to track cell numbers, calcium signalling, and inflammatory activation across the intact pancreas and gut. The project involves close collaboration with imaging physicists, feeding biological findings into ultrasound algorithm development, and working at the interface of biology and engineering. Training will cover a broad range of highly marketable techniques, including Cre-dependent genetic systems, transgenic mouse colony management, in vivo metabolic phenotyping (glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, body composition), and advanced ultrasound imaging acquisition and super-resolution image analysis.

Collaboration is integral, with leading groups at the Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College, King’s College London, TU Delft, and Caltech. The group policy encourages students to publish their work and present at international conferences, providing excellent exposure and career development opportunities.

Applicants should hold a first or upper second class degree (or international equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience, or a closely related discipline. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential. Candidates with strong backgrounds in physiology, pharmacology, or in vivo biology are particularly encouraged to apply. Imperial College English language requirements apply.

The position is fully funded for three years, offering a tax-free stipend of £23,805 per annum and covering tuition fees at the Home student rate. Applications are accepted year round. To apply, send a full CV (including the names and contact details of two academic referees) and a Personal Statement describing your research interests and motivation to Professor Kevin Murphy at [email protected]. Informal enquiries are welcomed at the same address.

This project is ideal for students interested in biomedical imaging, metabolism, molecular biology, and interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology and engineering, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and world-leading academic staff.