Dr VR Kearns, Dr H Levis, Dr CM Sheridan, Prof R Williams
No more applications being accepted
About the Project
The Department of Eye and Vision Science and St. Paul’s Eye Unit are working in collaboration to develop a revolutionary new technique designed to transform the effectiveness of treatments for a range of conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the most common cause of sight loss in the western world. The disease currently affects more than 600,000 people in the UK and, by 2020, it is predicted that almost 700,000 people will have late-stage AMD. Around 1 in 10 people aged over 65 have some degree of AMD.
Transplantation of cells under the retina has been proposed as a potential treatment for conditions such as this. One of the challenges associated with this is the choice of cells to transplant. The stem cells of the iris may provide a suitable source of cells. Iris tissue is relatively easy to obtain, and the iris pigmented epithelium (IPE) has the same embryonic origin, and demonstrates many of the same features and functions, as the RPE cells that are affected in AMD. Within the IPE monolayer are a sub population of stem/progenitor cells. The student will utilise sphere culture techniques to harvest, expand and differentiate these cells. This project is part of a wider programme of work that is developing novel technology to deliver cells subretinally. The student will be part of a multidisciplinary team that includes stem cell biologists, bioengineers and ophthalmologists.
The student will receive training in eye dissection, cell isolation, tissue culture, microscopy, image analysis and other aspects of cellular analysis. They will also be trained in literature searching, scientific writing and presentation skills. They will be encouraged to attend relevant conferences and apply for conference bursaries and awards, as well as taking part in public engagement activities. All postgraduate research students (PGRs) undertake formal, personalised training at the University of Liverpool, co-ordinated by the Liverpool Doctoral College. This creates a learning environment that allows all PGRs to enhance their skills for a successful research experience and career.
The Department of Eye and Vision Science is a major research department within the Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease at the University of Liverpool with very close partnership with St Paul’s Eye Unit in the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. It is housed in the newly commissioned William Henry Duncan Building, sited in Liverpool’s Knowledge quarter opposite the new Royal University Hospital. This is a £40M purpose-built facility which has been designed around the specific needs of our current research, whilst still allowing the flexibility to adapt to new research challenges in the future. A range of modern shared interdisciplinary laboratories allow researchers to work in a collaborative manner. The Institute also houses a number of specialist laboratories, including state of the art facilities for live cell microscopy, electrophysiology and materials chemistry as well as shared Institute facilities for tissue culture and histology.
The Department of Eye and Vision Science is one of the key centres in the UK for medical research into vision threatening diseases and its reputation in eye research is world-renowned. Collaboration between researchers in the Department of Eye and Vision Science and their clinical counterparts in St Paul’s Eye Unit in the Royal Liverpool University Hospital is enhanced by the proximity of the two facilities. The research is highly translational and multidisciplinary with active research groups in ocular cell culture, stem cell biology, cell transplantation, biomaterials science, bioengineering, image analysis, molecular biology, visuomotor control, clinical trials and health service research. Ophthalmic bioengineering is a key strategic area of research in the department and The University of Liverpool has invested in it both within the department and in the School of Engineering and Department of Chemistry, with which we have strong collaborations.
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.
Funding Notes
You should have (or expect) an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Life Sciences, Biomaterials or another relevant discipline. A Master’s degree or research experience in a relevant area (stem cell biology, biomaterials, cell culture) would be an advantage.
The successful applicant will receive a stipend of £14,625 p.a. and fees will be paid at the UK/EU rate. Overseas students are welcome to apply, but would need to find their own funding for the higher rate of fees. https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/fees-and-costs/ . An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent is required for non-native speakers.
References
The position is available immediately, but a start date up to autumn 2018 may be negotiated, depending on the candidate’s circumstances.
To apply: please send your CV and a covering letter to Professor Rachel Williams, rlw@liverpool.ac.uk with a copy to iacdpgr@liverpool.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 1st August 2018, although applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
Kearns VR, Tasker J, Zhuola, Akhtar R, Bachhuka A, Vasilev K, Sheridan C, Williams R. The formation of a functional retinal pigment epithelium occurs on porous polytetrafluoroethylene substrates independently of the surface chemistry. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine. 2017; 28:124-138