Molecular mechanisms underlying mesenchymal condensation in skin and hair development

Applicants are invited to apply for a PhD studentship in the field of Skin Development in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London to start in October 2014.

Clustering, or condensation of mesenchymal cells precedes more complex tissue development in a number of biological systems. The hair follicle is an elegant accessible model where such condensation occurs during morphogenesis, and is critical for the development of the follicle. This project aims to understand the regulatory mechanisms that underlie condensation formation during hair development. The PhD student will be taught a range of approaches, including microdissection, cell culture modelling, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology, to identify signalling cues and genetic/epigenetic regulators of condensation formation during hair development. The interaction of the hair follicle with the follicular macro-environment will also be assessed.

Applicants should have a background in bioengineering or biology, and have an interest in tissue regeneration and regenerative medicine. They should have (or be expecting to receive) a good upper-second or first class honours (or equivalent) in a related discipline.

Applicants should have good dexterous skills, and a basic understanding of molecular biology/genetics. They should be eager to learn, and imaginative with an enquiring approach to research. You will become a skilled communicator, and be expected to present at international conferences. You should be self-motivated, and will be expected to write up your work as journal papers of the highest standard.


To apply for this position, please send your CV, and a 1 page statement of your research interests/motivation to [Email Address Removed].