Dr R Pearson
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
We offer a full-time PhD Student post for 3 years to investigate how simple visual behaviours rely on normal retinal function. Applications of highly motivated candidates with interests in neuroscience and sensory systems are welcomed. The project is a collaboration between Professor Rachael Pearson (UCL Institute of Ophthalmology) and Dr Sam Solomon (UCL Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience) and is embedded in an Internationally-renowned group focussing on cell and gene therapies for the treatment of blindness with granted access to their excellent facilities (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioo/research/research-labs-and-groups/gene-and-cell-therapy-group).
The eye is at the forefront of the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neural degeneration. The pre-clinical development of new treatments for retinal disease, such as gene and cell therapies, requires the ability to repeatedly and reliably screen mouse models for visual function before, during and after treatment. Current methods of assessment of visual sensitivity in mice largely rely on invasive electrophysiological assessments of retinal function or moderate severity behavioural techniques with relatively poor reliability. They also tell us little about the quality of the visual information received by the subject. This project instead aims to develop a preclinical tool to enable study of the murine visual system in health and disease. This studentship seeks to translate a recently described visual stimulus-induced spontaneous behaviour into use as a low-severity test of vision in health and disease and, importantly, to provide insight into visual processing by determining the biological pathways that underpin this response.
Ideal person specification
• A good degree (2.1 or above; or equivalent EU/overseas degree) and/or MSc in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Physiology or another relevant subject.
• Demonstrable interest in Neuroscience, particularly Sensory Systems
• Excellent methodological skills, particularly in project planning
• Preferably some experience of animal behavioural assessments
• Excellent analytical/mathematical skills, preferably with some knowledge of statistical approaches
• High proficiency in written and spoken English is required
• Very strong work ethic, with the ability to think creatively and work both individually and within a multidisciplinary team
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate is expected to:
• Perform behavioural daily training of rodents
• Actively participate in video-based behavioural data acquisition, processing, analysis and evaluation of rodent vision
• Actively participate in use of other methods of data acquisition, processing and evaluation of rodent vision, as project requires
• Manufacture and use viral vectors for rescue of visual function
• Support advancements in the theoretical and methodological framework for the study of blindness and visual system in rodents.
• Take care of rodent lines
• Work in collaboration with other researchers
• Prepare progress reports
• Prepare presentations, including text and images, for delivery by self and others.
• Travel for collaboration and other meetings or conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts for submission to international peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the overall activities of the research team, department and be aware of UCL policies.
Informal enquiries may be emailed to [Email Address Removed]
Application procedures
Evaluation of candidates begins immediately. Application is by CV, covering letter including motivation for applying, and two recommendation letters. These should be emailed to [Email Address Removed]. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interview (can be via Skype). The successful candidate is expected to start 1st of October 2018.
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