Engineering Fibers of Intermediate filaments as Next Generation Sustainable Biomaterials

Intermediate filaments are a class of fascinating polymer-like protein found in mammalian cells that have remarkable mechanical properties.  These properties help cells to withstand high stress and fast deformations. Moreover, when isolated from cells, these filaments have low bending stiffness, the capacity to withstand substantial strains, and a can reorganization under mechanical stress.   

In this interdisciplinary research project, you will develop model biomaterials with entirely new material properties.  At the University of Liverpool, you will use novel experimental methods, namely advanced rheology and microrheology to probe the mechanics of cell-free intermediate filaments. Using these insights, you will develop new fibrous biomaterials with high toughness, strength, and extensibility, which can be efficiently produced through recombinant expression in bacteria. Working at National Tsing-Hua University in Taiwan (NTHU) you will evaluate how artificially induced post-translational modifications affect filament assembly and mechanics by using intermediate filaments derived from different cell types and tissues. You will also learn how to express and purify cytoskeletal proteins and construct artificial cytoskeletal networks with controllable structure, mechanics and chemistry.  

You will work with a multidisciplinary team comprising biophysicists, engineers and biologists.  As part of the prestigious NTHU-Liverpool PhD programme you receive multidisciplinary training and carry out research at both institutions, providing excellent training and career development opportunities.  

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result. 

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply. This PhD project will develop your skills and training in biophysics and chemical biology and would suit a recent graduate in Natural Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related disciplines such as biochemical engineering or biophysics. Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent in one of these fields. 

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Materials Engineering.