Exploring the contribution of lymphatics towards diabetic kidney disease and their potential as a therapeutic target

A 3-year PhD Studentship funded by Diabetes UK is available within the Kidney Development and Disease Group (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ich/research/developmental-biology-cancer/developmental-biology-birth-defects/kidney-development-and-disease-group) in the Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health. The studentship will commence in October 2020 under the supervision of Dr David Long and Professor Luigi Gnudi (King’s College London).

The aim of the studentship is to examine how lymphatic vessels contribute to diabetic kidney disease and their potential as a therapeutic target. The student will (i) use three-dimensional imaging technologies to study the lymphatics of diabetic kidneys down to the detail of single cells; (ii) isolate cells from diabetic kidneys and perform single cell RNA sequencing to see how gene expression changes in lymphatics on a cell-by-cell basis, and how lymphatics might be interacting with other cells in the diseased kidney and (iii) target kidney lymphatics using gene therapy; delivering VEGF-C, a lymphatic growth factor, to the diabetic kidney. The project will utilise multiple techniques ranging from animal husbandry, three-dimensional imaging technologies, flow cytometry, single cell RNA-sequencing and gene therapy strategies. The PhD student will also obtain generic skills by attending relevant courses run by UCL.

For a full project description please see the GOS ICH website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/child-health/phd-studentship-kidney-research

Applicants should have, or expect to receive an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in a relevant discipline or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. The student will receive a starting stipend of £19,000 per annum (including London weighting) as well as the cost of tuition fees for UK/EU students (applicants from non-EU countries can apply but will have to personally fund the difference between the home/EU rate and the overseas rate).

To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two professional referees as well as a cover letter to [Email Address Removed].

Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Dr David Long ([Email Address Removed]).

Deadline for receipt of applications: 19th June 2020, 5pm

Interview date: TBC