Mechanisms of disease onset of C9 ALS/FTD

A 3 year PhD studentship is available starting 01 October 2017 in the newly established Maurice Wohl Institute, King’s College London. The project will investigate molecular mechanisms underlying the most common genetic alteration in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The successful candidate will utilize existing Drosophila models to carry out a comparative RNA-seq screen to identify candidates mediating toxicity of dipeptide repeat proteins and TDP-43 accumulation, the pathological hallmarks of ALS and FTD. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis will be carried out in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Centre. Validation of candidate genes will include in vivo studies in Drosophila and post-mortem human brain samples.

Methods applied include Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Histology, Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy as well as Behavioural Analysis. Eligible UK/EU candidates should have a 2:1/merit or 1st class honours/distinction degree (or equivalent) and document Band B proficiency in English. For further details and how to apply, contact Dr. Frank Hirth, [Email Address Removed]