Prof G R Williams, Prof J D Bassett
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
The successful applicants will be joining an internationally-renowned research group, within one of the world’s top research universities. The department has an excellent publication record in top rated research journals and is well funded from a number of different sources, including grants recently awarded by the Wellcome Trust, European Union Horizon 2020 Programme and the MRC.
Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are major healthcare priorities that represent a massive healthcare burden affecting over 11 million people in the UK. Treatment options are limited or not available and there is urgent need to advance understanding and define new molecular pathways that facilitate development of new drugs. As part of a Wellcome Trust Strategic Initiative, we have identified novel genes that regulate bone mass and strength and new disease models for skeletal disorders. The successful candidate will characterise the skeletal phenotype in detail and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms in one of these new models. Understanding the role of newly identified genes and regulatory networks in the skeleton will reveal potential therapeutic targets and new strategies for the prevention and treatment of skeletal disease.
The student will be based on the Hammersmith campus.
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in world leading and state-of-the-art skeletal imaging (x-ray microradiography; MicroCT; light, confocal and electron microscopy; dynamic and static histomorphometry), biomechanical testing, bone & cartilage cell culture and molecular biology techniques including RT-qPCR and RNAseq. The student will also benefit from the extensive Graduate School transferable skills training programme.
Professors Graham Williams (www.imperial.ac.uk/people/graham.williams) and Duncan Bassett (www.imperial.ac.uk/people/d.bassett) lead the host laboratory, which comprises 6 post-doctoral scientists, 8 experienced technicians and several PhD and BSc students. The laboratory houses all the necessary equipment required for this project and collaborates widely both nationally and internationally. Further details can be found at www.boneandcartilage.com,
Application Process
Applicants must have a first or upper second class degree from a UK University or the overseas equivalent in a relevant area of biochemistry, physiology, or neuroscience. In addition a Masters degree is preferable but not essential. Experience in molecular biology and in vivo physiology is a major advantage. Applicants must also meet Imperial College’s English language requirements – further details can be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/admissions/pgenglish
Applicants who expect to or have obtained at least a 2:1 in a relevant subject should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including the names and addresses of two academic referees, to Prof GR Williams/JHD Bassett, Imperial College Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN (email to: [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed]
Funding Notes
The scholarship is open to UK and EU applicants. It covers a stipend of £17,500pa (2017/8 level) plus university registration fees. The expected start date is October 2018.