PhD Positions in Biotechnology

Four (04) PhD Positions in Biotechnology at Department of Biomedical Sciences PAF-IAST

Two PhD Positions are available at Next Generation Genomics Research Group

Two PhD Positions are available at Tissue Engineering and Artificial Organ Technologies Research Group

About Groups and Research

A. Next Generation Genomics Research Group focus on the exploring the genes, proteins and the fundamental molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Glaucoma, Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and other retinopathies, and their plausible DNA based diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Besides this, we also work on the molecular basis of other diseases such as cancers. Pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine are another key area of research for this group. Human molecular genetics research aspires to unravel the underlaying molecular mechanisms of the genetic diseases, providing ingress to the therapeutic interventions and disease prevention. The scientific and technical advancements in the field of human genetics are flourishing at fast pace launching an era of genome sequencing efficiently with generation of tremendous amount of genetic data, opening avenues for diagnosis, personalized medicine, and gene therapy.

B. Tissue Engineering and Artificial Organ Technologies research group mainly focus on the exploitation of 3D Bioprinting technologies for creation of multifunctional artificial tissue and organs. The research group works on the combination of biomaterials, cells, and supporting components to create composite live tissue. All the activities are organized thematically under the supervision of the Head of the lab i.e. Dr. Fazli Wahid. The lab is equipped with modern state of the art equipment and facilities, including CELLINK BioX 3D Bioprinter, STELLARIS 8 Confocal Microscope, ABI QuantStudio™ 7 Pro Real-Time PCR and other type of PCR systems, ABI Sanger Sequencing System, ABI Next Generation Sequencing System, Cell Culture and Stem Cell Facility, and all sort of other required equipment. The lab is established at the Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Mang, Haripur.

Projects Description

A. The PhD positions in Next Generation Genomics Research Group are offered to develop DNA based biochip for the pre-symptomatic diagnosis of the disease, mutation carrier testing and identifying the individuals at risk who can be then monitored and counseled accordingly. The project entails studies on next generation sequencing, Sanger sequencing, bioinformatic tools for sequencing data analysis and biochip manufacturing. The project will be performed in close collaboration with the industrial and hospital partners. Dr. Humaira Ayub, Assistant Professor at Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Mang, Haripur will be the group leader of this project. e-mail: humaira.ayub@fbse.paf-iast.edu.pk

B. The PhD positions in Tissue Engineering and Artificial Organ Technologies research group are offered to focus on the exploitation of 3D bioprinting technology potentials for the replacement of damaged or wounded tissues/organs with precisely dispersed cell-biomaterials and functioning tissues. The project will be performed in close collaboration with the industrial and hospital partners. Dr. Fazli Wahid, Associate Professor, at Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Mang, Haripur will be the group leader of this project. e-mail: fazli.wahid@fbse.paf-iast.edu.pk

Job Description(s)

Key tasks as a PhD student at PAF-IAST will be

Completing 18 Credit Hours course work and 30 Credit Hours research work
Carrying out an independent research project
Patent and Publication of research work
Disseminating of scientific knowledge
Write down of PhD dissertation on the grounds of research
Any other task assigned by the group leader

Key Criteria for Assessment of Applicants

Applicants must have a master’s degree (minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0) in biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or other similar backgrounds. Applicant must also have graduate subject test (GAT) with minimum score of 60% or must pass the department admission test (minimum 70% will be considered as passing) to be conducted on 3^rd February 2023, 10^th February 2023, and 17^th February 2023.

Other important criteria are,

The grade point average achieved
Relevance and strength of the research proposal
Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
A strong interest in tissue engineering and artificial organ technologies
Relevant work experience
Strong writing and communication skills

Queries

For specific information about the project, please contact the concerned principal supervisors.

General information about PhD studies, please visit website https://paf-iast.edu.pk/admissions-in-kpk/ or contact at (0995) 931853.

Application Requirements

Cover Letter: It should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program, your preparation for this field of study, and why the program is a good fit for you, your future career plans, and other aspects of your background as well as interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for PhD studies.
Research Proposal: It should:
demonstrates evidence of intellectual purpose and originality.
Show that you can communicate your ideas clearly, concisely, and coherently.
Show you can use published literature to support your ideas and arguments.
Define the topic you are interested in and show good awareness of the research context. e. Your proposal should be 2,000-3,000 words long. It should present the background to, and key debates in, your research field, and include enough detail on your proposed research methodology to demonstrate your potential as a research student. PhD applicants are expected to possess a good working knowledge of research methodology.
Resume/CV: It should summarize your education, skills and experience enabling you to successfully sell your abilities.
Two Letters of Recommendations: Recommendations should be written by people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting. We very strongly recommend that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Your recommendations should directly address your suitability for admission to the specific PhD program at PAF-IAST.
Certificates, Degrees & Transcripts: Official certificates, degrees, and transcripts, showing degrees awarded and date(s) conferred, from all colleges and universities previously attended are required.
GRE Subject or Departmental Test Result: Must have a valid GRE Subject or Departmental Test Result with minimum score of 60% and 70%, respectively.

Application Deadline: 25^th February 2023

The Further Process
Only the shortlisted candidates will be called for the interview. The admission office will inform candidates once a final decision is reached.

Admissions

PAF-IAST promotes equal opportunities and welcomes students from all backgrounds, irrespective of their creed, color, gender, ethnicity, and their social and financial status. Female students are encouraged to join any program of their choice and realize their dreams.

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