Funded full-time PhD Studentship for three years from 1 October 2007

This interdisciplinary project will investigate the structural features of peripheral nerves that enable them to bend and stretch during normal movement without compromising their function. Understanding nerve biomechanics will not only give an insight into some fundamental anatomy, it will also be of value to clinicians treating nerve injury and physiotherapists involved in rehabilitation.

The project will (i) use electron microscopy to investigate the ultrastructure of peripheral nerve tissue that causes localised variations in biomechanics, and (ii) use ultrasound imaging technologies to study variations in nerve movement at different anatomical locations in human
volunteers for correlation of findings.

The project is funded by the Open University and is a collaboration between Dr James Phillips (Biological Sciences) and Dr Jamie Harle (Physics and Astronomy), based in the recently refurbished laboratory facilities at the OU Headquarters in Milton Keynes. You should have a good honours degree in a Biological Science and have a keen interest in using interdisciplinary
approaches to investigate biological phenomena.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be made to Dr James Phillips: J.B.Phillips@open.ac.uk or Dr Jamie Harle: J.Harle@open.ac.uk.

Details of departmental research groups, current projects and facilities can be found at http://www.open.ac.uk/science/biosci/index.htm and http://physics.open.ac.uk/.

For detailed information and how to apply go to www3.open.ac.uk/employment, or call Janet Vroone on 01908 659297 or email biology-recruitment@open.ac.uk.

Closing date: 30 April 2007