The role of Molecular Regulators in Lung Development

We would like to investigate and understand the processes involved in Lung development, such as, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis that are modulated/deregulated during development leading to the development of Lung disease and cancer. The discovery of numerous non-coding RNAs has dramatically changed our understanding of cell biology, and we aim to investigate their role in lung epithelial development. Research into the roles of miRNAs in lung development and disease is at the early stages.

This project will build on the work of Dr. Mohammed Ahmed, supported by additional supervisors with complementary specialist expertise, all having published in high quality journals. The Ahmed group are within the world-leading REF2014 Biomedical Sciences Research Centre and has experience of a range of molecular cell biology techniques, including mammalian cell culture, 3D cultures, expression analysis, immunofluorescence, real time QPCR and Western blot analysis. The Ahmed lab are situated in the School of Science and Technology, which encourages multidisciplinary research and has a diverse and supportive postgraduate community.

Specific qualifications/subject areas required of the applicants for this project:
Applicants should hold, or be expected to hold, an UK Master’s degree (or UK equivalent according to NARIC) with a minimum of a commendation, and/or a UK 1stClass / 2.1 Bachelor’s Honour’s Degree (or UK equivalent according to NARIC) in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related Biosciences related subject.