Molecular signalling mechanisms in the development of age-related retinal disease

PhD position available to start autumn 2018.

We offer a full-time PhD Student post for 3 years to investigate molecular signalling mechanisms contributing to the development of age-related retinal disease. Age-related loss of vision (age-related macular degeneration) is a widespread disease condition that leads to photoreceptor death due to a degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium. This project centres on a regulatory mechanism that appears to be inactivated in age-related disease and that is part of the molecular machinery by which cells sense tissue integrity and helps them to deal with stress. The project will use cultured cell lines and differentiated RPE cells generated from embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as patient tissue samples to analyse the role of this signalling mechanism in RPE homeostasis and age-related disease. Applications of highly motivated candidates with interests in molecular cell biology and age-related diseases are welcomed. The project is a collaboration between Professor Karl Matter (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioo/research/ academics/matter) and Professor Maria S. Balda (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioo/research/ academics/balda).

Person Specification
• A good degree (2.1 or above; or equivalent EU/overseas degree) and/or MSc in Molecular Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology or another relevant subject.
• Demonstrable interest in Cell Biology
• Excellent methodological skills, particularly in project planning
• Experience of cell culture and molecular techniques
• Preferably with experience in microscopy
• 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 team

Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate is expected to:
• Culture permanent human cell lines and pluripotent stem cells, and generate differentiated RPE
• Isolate primary RPE cells
• Use molecular and biochemical techniques to analyse molecular processes and cell function
• Perform epifluorescence and confocal microscopy
• Manufacture and use viral vectors for gain- and loss-of-function studies
• 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 should go to Karl Matter. 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 October 2018.