PhD Studentship in Cell and Molecular Biosciences - Systems modelling of miR and mRNA networks in cartilage and osteoarthritis

Start date and duration:
25 September 2017 for 3 years.


Overview:
The aetiology of osteoarthritis (OA) is complex with genetic, developmental, biochemical and biomechanical factors contributing to the pathology. Key to understanding the role of microRNAs (miRs) in the joint and OA is the development of a predictive computer model which can identify pivotal miRs (or indeed mRNAs) that will be targets for therapy, or biomarkers. This PhD project will use existing knowledge and data together with data generated by collaborating groups to build such an in silico model of miR/mRNA networks.

The complex nature of miR function means that it is necessary to take a number of approaches to understand their roles. It is clear that modulating a single miR can impact upon the disease process in OA, but the reality is that a number of miRs are dysregulated in disease. This PhD project is part of a larger consortium effort which will identify the function of several key miRs in the joint and OA and uncover the complete RNA interactome in chondrocytes. The consortium involves other research in the groups of the supervisors together with research within the groups of Professor IM Clark and T Dalmay in the University of East Anglia (UEA). The aim of this PhD project is to build a mathematical model to understand the network in which miRs function. This model will be used to identify hierarchies and nodes which will highlight therapeutic targets in OA.

Sponsor:
Dunhill Medical Trust (http://www.dunhillmedical.org.uk/page/default.asp?title=welcome&pid=1)

Name of supervisor(s):
Dr D P Shanley, Dr C J Proctor and Professor D A Young.

Eligibility Criteria:
PhD in Biomedical Sciences with an interest in computational modelling or a PhD in computing or mathematical science with an interest in applying their skills in biology.

Applicants should have, or be expecting to receive, a 2.1 Hons degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

EU candidates must have been resident in the UK for 3 years in order to receive full support.

How to apply:
Please submit a full CV and covering letter directly to [Email Address Removed].

You must also apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/). To do this please ‘Create a new account’. Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However, you will need to include the following information:

insert the programme code 8300F in the programme of study section
select ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences – Cancer Research’ as the programme of study
insert the studentship code CB129 in the studentship/partnership reference field
attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the studentship reference code CB129 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.