Targeting the corneal endothelial progenitor population for treatment of corneal endothelial failure

Our group aims to develop novel translational therapies for ocular repair in disease and disorder. This particular project will focus on the corneal endothelium, the layer of the cornea responsible for maintaining corneal transparency, which is a requirement for effective vision and is defective in many diseases of ageing such as Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy. A population of stem/progenitor cells has recently been identified in the periphery of the corneal endothelium. This project will further characterise this progenitor niche using state of the art imaging techniques and explore its potential as a source for endothelial cell therapies. The student will develop a broad range of laboratory techniques including cell culture, gene expression analysis, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, confocal imaging, 3D scanning electron microscopy imaging.

The Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease is part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. We excel in high quality research that contributes to improved health and quality of life for older people and animals and alleviates chronic diseases at all ages. Our departments are now seeking to attract highly motivated self-funded PhD candidates of outstanding ability to join our internationally rated research teams.

The Department of Eye and Vision Science (DEVS) located within the Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD) has an excellent track record in delivering international high quality vision research, working in partnership with the regional clinic service in St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital and its Clinical Eye Research Centre. DEVS and IACD are well placed to provide the academic support and a stimulating environment for a PhD studentship: in the last 8 years the Institute has had a 100% completion record for PhDs and the UoL ranks first in the Russell Group for PhD completion rates. The research training environment is stimulating, multi-disciplinary with a good mix of clinical and non-clinical scientists focused on vision research
The project will be based in the brand new Apex building at the University of Liverpool main campus. All postgraduate students undertake the PGR Development Programme which aims to enhance their skills for a successful research experience and career. They are required to maintain an online record of their progress and record their personal and professional development throughout their research degree. The 1st Year Development Workshops encourage inter- and cross-disciplinary thinking and identify and develop the knowledge, skills, behaviours and personal qualities that all students require. In the 2nd year all students take part in a Poster Day to provide an opportunity to present their research to a degree educated general public, and in the 3rd year students complete a career development module. Other online training, such as ‘Managing your supervisor’ and ‘Thesis writing’ is provided centrally.

The Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease is fully committed to promoting gender equality in all activities. In recruitment we emphasize the supportive nature of the working environment and the flexible family support that the University provides. The Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.

https://www.liv.ac.uk/ageing-and-chronic-disease/

The successful candidate should have, or expect to have an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent). Candidates whose first language is not English should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
Informal enquiries regarding this project should be made to Dr Hannah Levis [Email Address Removed]
To apply send your CV and covering letter by email to Dr Hannah Levis [Email Address Removed] with a copy to [Email Address Removed]
All general enquiries should be directed to Mrs Sue Jones ([Email Address Removed]).