Jan Frayne

A fully funded PhD opportunity is available for an enthusiastic student to join a multidisciplinary team investigating the mechanisms of mechanosensation and membrane tension modulation in red blood cell development. The project is jointly hosted by the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE), offering a unique chance to work at the interface of cell biology, biophysics, and bioengineering. The research will explore how developing red blood cells sense and respond to mechanical stress, utilizing advanced techniques such as CRISPR-based gene editing, fluorescent reporters, and live-cell imaging (including FLIM and microcapillary systems). The student will be co-supervised by Tim Satchwell (UWE), Prof Ash Toye (University of Bristol), Prof Tony Killard (UWE), and Prof Jan Frayne (Bristol), and will graduate with a joint degree from both universities. The project is funded by the BBSRC SWBio DTP, which covers tuition and provides a stipend. Applicants should have a background in cell biology, biophysics, or bioengineering, and a passion for understanding how cells adapt to their mechanical environment. For more information or to apply, visit the provided link or contact the supervisors.