4 year PhD studentship - transcriptional regulation of ageing in Drosophila melanogaster

Ageing and the associated functional decline are of increasing medical, social and economic importance. Research on the biology of ageing (biogerontology) aims to discover mechanisms that could be harnessed to improve human health and quality of life in old age. Genetic, pharmacological or environmental interventions have recently been discovered that delay ageing. Importantly, these interventions also protect against diverse aspects of ageing-related loss of function, revealing that there is a common underlying ageing process that could be targeted to improve lifelong heath and wellbeing in humans.

This project will examine how genetically or pharmacologically induced changes to gene expression, at the level of transcriptional regulation, extend healthy lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster. To explore this question the student will use a broad range of techniques, including fly genetics and physiology, molecular biology, microscopy, protein chemistry and genomics. The student will gain a broad training in basic biogerontology that will prove relevant to a career in any of the currently relevant aspects of ageing and ageing related-disease.

The UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing is a world class centre of excellence for research on the biology of ageing and ageing-related diseases. Our primary purpose is to bring together researchers working in biogerontology with those working to understand the causes of ageing-related disease. By merging the two, we aim to develop a new translational biogerontology using the ageing process as a point of intervention to protect against the diseases of old age.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the standard UCL entry requirements. For more information please see: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply/taught/entry-requirements

Successful applicants will have a proven track record of academic excellence, with at least an upper 2nd Honours degree (obtained or expected) or a Master's degree (Merit or Distinction) in a relevant subject area. Relevant prior laboratory experience is an advantage, but not essential.

How to Apply

Applications should include a CV including academic achievements and contact details of two referees, and a cover letter outlining the motivation, interest and suitability for the project. Applications should be sent to [Email Address Removed] before 30th of April 2014.
Interviews will be conducted in May with a PhD start date in September 2014.