The 2024-2025 Recruitment Round is now open!
We are delighted in this cross-faculty and cross-disciplinary training programme with our industrial partners to train the next generation of drug discovery researchers— Mike Barnes, Professor of Bioinformatics. The William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
Below is a list of projects that were available for the 2024-25 recruitment round.
Each project has a supervisor based at Queen Mary, and engagement from Industry, including the option for a placement. The level of industry engagement varies depending on the nature of the project. We suggest you review each project description to learn more about the proposed research. Once you have identified your top project, you can submit an application via the Apply page. Note, you will be asked to identify your chosen project, and a maximum of 1 other project; you cannot apply for more than 2 projects, so we recommend you consider your choice carefully, ensuring what it is the right fit for you and your research aspirations.
Points to consider when reviewing projects:
M1: Development of AI framework for iPSC image analysis and integration with transcriptomics
Deadline for Applications: October 31st 2024
The Draviam lab aims to understand the molecular principles that govern cell division and the consequence of its failure when cells transition between states during differentiation. Together with MSD, the project aims to focus on developing AI methods to track iPSC (induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) differentiation to neural precursors, astrocytes and neurons. During the process of differentiation, quiescence and senescence are two cell dormancy states with distinct cell fates and transcriptomic statuses. However, these two states of dormancy have similar nuclear shape and size presentation (in images) which we aim to separate by developing a DL-based image analysis framework that tracks their behaviour through time. The ideal candidate is expected to have a strong background in image analysis, development of ML/DL methods, a keen interest in biosciences and provable experience in teamwork.
Eligibility and Applying
This project is part of the UKRI/BBSRC AI for Drug Discovery Progamme, and successful candidates will join a cohort of students working on complementary projects in the AI for Drug Discovery space.
We are looking for highly motivated individuals who are passionate about contributing to new discoveries in drug discovery bioscience through the application of the latest techniques in AI and data science. Ideal candidates will have a grounding in both a natural science and data science, e.g. through a Master's degree or work experience in a subject such as bioinformatics or computational chemistry. Alternatively, you may have, for example, a first-class degree in computer science followed by biochemistry experience, or vice versa. Programming skills are strongly desirable and you will be confident in performing data wrangling and analysis in a language such as Python, R or C++, or can demonstrate the ability to acquire the necessary level of programming skills.
We particularly encourage students from groups that are currently underrepresented in postgraduate science research, including black and minority ethnic students and those from a socio-economically disadvantaged background.
This studentship award can cover full tuition fees, UKRI stipend (currently £21,237) and a consumable allowance for a period of 4-years (pro-rata for part-time). The award must start by January 2025.
Visit the Apply Pages for further details on how to submit an application. The deadline for applications is October 31st 2024.
Supervisors: Viji Draviam - Professor of Quantitative Cell and Molecular Biology and Director of Industrial Innovation, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, QMUL Wei Wei - Associate Principal Scientist, MSD
Project Partner: MSD