Dr J Norman
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
UCL PhD Studentship starting in October 2017
UCL Division of Medicine in collaboration with the Institute of Ophthalmology is offering a PhD studentship funded by Fight for Sight, focusing on exploring the molecular mechanisms of extracellular matrix production by conjunctival fibroblasts in eye scarring diseases.
Project description
Inflammation and scarring are hallmarks of many eye blinding diseases, as even with good clinical control of inflammation, tissue scarring progresses in almost half of patients. There is currently no effective treatment for scarring and fibrosis in the eye. Therapies that inhibit or reverse scarring are a major unmet health need for both this condition and other scarring diseases. Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a prototypic scarring disorder of the eye resulting in chronic morbidity, and blindness in many cases.
This project proposes to investigate the role of metabolic- and growth factor-dependent regulatory mechanisms in MMP conjunctival fibrosis. Studies will involve small molecule pharmacological inhibitors, biologics and RNAi, in vitro in primary human cells, and in vivo pre-clinical models to identify and define key pathways and networks that drive scarring. The studentship will use contemporary technologies including RNA Seq, miRNA profiling, proteomics, secretomics and analysis of energy metabolism in order to understand the development and progression of conjunctival scarring. Significant training and support is offered by the group.
Personal Specification
We are looking for excellent graduates with a motivated and results-oriented personality and strong interpersonal and communication skills. The successful applicant will be part of an enthusiastic interdisciplinary team, with an outstanding record of training and mentoring PhD students and young researchers. The studentship will be hosted in the UCL Division of Medicine (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/medicine/) which is internationally recognised, world-leading interdisciplinary research and teaching centre.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a 1st class or high upper 2nd class degree, or MSc with merit or distinction and a strong background in biomedical science. An interest in inflammation-based research would be an advantage.
The studentship will commence on October 1, 2017 and is fully funded for 3 years. Full tuition fees (Home/EU only) will be paid and the student will receive a tax-free stipend per annum of £17,000, increasing by 3% every year. The studentship is open to all nationalities, however it is subject to UCL admissions requirements for PhD study.
Informal enquiries to: Dr Jill Norman ([Email Address Removed])
How to apply
Please send a covering letter (detailing why you would like to apply, motivation, interest, and suitability for this project) and CV to: [Email Address Removed]
Deadline for applications: 31 July 2017
Interviews to be held at the mid-August 2017
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