Investigating phototoxicity-induced cell cycle disruption in live cell imaging
About the role
Investigating phototoxicity-induced cell cycle disruption in live cell imaging
Key information
This sandwich placement will be based in the Advanced Light Microscopy STP supervised by David Barry.
Project summary
Microscopy is a fundamental tool in biology, providing critical insights into the dynamics of living cells and complex systems. The Crick Advanced Light Microscopy Science Technology Platform supports a wide variety of microscopes, capable of quickly and routinely producing large, complex datasets. For example, we have several long-term live cell imaging microscopes, designed to image sensitive live samples (such as cells and organoids), or even whole organisms (e.g. developing embryos), in multiple colours, potentially for several days – a single experiment can generate thousands of individual images, constituting gigabytes of data.
However, live biological samples are photo-sensitive, meaning over-exposure to light, particularly certain wavelengths necessary for imaging, can cause cell damage and eventually, cell death. Understanding the relationship between light exposure and harmful effects is critical to ensuring rigorous and reproducible microscopy experiments, as photodamage can compromise experimental results. Our goal is to quantify the relationship between light exposure and the disruption of cell functions, such as the cell cycle.
In this project, you will:
- Use microscopy to study the dynamics of different cell types (e.g. HeLa, U2OS) under different illumination regimes.
- Leverage advanced computational and AI approaches to track cells, analyse their behaviour and quantify responses to increasing illumination intensity.
- Produce a quantitative model of phototoxicity-induced cell disruption.
Skills you will gain:
- Basic laboratory operations: sample preparation, microscopy use, analytical measurements. [SS1.1]
- Proficiency in bright-field and fluorescence microscopy.
- Expertise in processing and analysing multi-dimensional image data.
- Communication skills: present your results via presentations in team meetings and posters at international conferences.
This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge imaging research. Your findings will be shared with the scientific community, potentially unlocking new avenues of discovery. You will work alongside leading scientists and gain invaluable experience in a dynamic research environment.
Candidate background
The post holder should embody and demonstrate the Crick ethos and ways of working: bold, open and collegial. The candidate must be registered at a UK Higher Education Institution, studying in the UK and must have completed a minimum of two years’ undergraduate study in a relevant discipline, and on track to receive a final degree grade of 2:1 or 1. In addition, they should be able demonstrate the following experience and key competencies:
- This project would suit a candidate studying biomedical sciences who has some experience working in a wet lab and wants to learn about advanced quantitative imaging techniques
- Good knowledge in relevant scientific area(s)
- Good written and spoken communication skills
- Ability to work independently and also capable of interacting within a group
References
- Senft, R.A., Diaz-Rohrer, B., Colarusso, P., Swift, L., Jamali, N., Jambor, H., . . . Cimini, B.A. (2023) A biologist's guide to planning and performing quantitative bioimaging experiments.PLOS Biology21: e3002167.PubMed abstract