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A 3-year PhD Studentship funded by Fight for Sight and Versus Arthritis is available as part of the CLUSTER consortium (https://www.clusterconsortium.org.uk) in the Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department in the UCL Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health. The studentship will commence in October 2021 under the supervision of Dr Elizabeth C. Rosser and Professor Lucy Wedderburn.
The aim of the studentship is to examine the contribution of B cell immunopathology to juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis. The student will (i) stratify a large B cell data-set of flow cytometry and bulk RNA sequencing data (total CD19+ B cells) recently generated by the CLUSTER consortium by JIA-uveitis phenotype e.g. uveitis-ever versus uveitis-never; (ii) carry out in-depth B-cell phenotypic and functional analysis in JIA uveitis-ever versus JIA uveitis-never by flow cytometry and in vitro culture methods; iii) isolate cells collected from eye tissue to interrogate B cell phenotype at the inflamed site in JIA-uveitis patients (iv) use animal models to understand if depleting B cells can reduce uveitis severity. The project will utilise multiple techniques ranging from animal handlines/models, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing and biomarker discovery. The PhD student will also obtain generic skills by attending relevant courses run by UCL.
For further details, please see the project description on the ICH website: 'Defining the contribution of B cell immunopathology to the development of juvenile idiopathic associated uveitis'
The student will receive a starting stipend of £22,500 per annum (including London weighting) as well as consumables running costs and the cost of tuition fees based on UK fee status.
Personal Specification
Applicants should have, or expect to receive an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree (or equivalent work experience e.g. immunology, paediatric rheumatology) in a relevant discipline or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Previous experience with flow cytometry and clinical data handling is highly desirable.
Eligibilty
This studentship covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate. Non-UK students can apply but will have to personally fund the difference between the UK (Home) rate and the overseas rate where they are not eligible for UK fee status.
NB: You will be asked about your likely fee status at the interview so we would advise you to contact the UCL Graduate Admissions Office for advice should you be unsure whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for Home fee status. Further information on Brexit and the definitions for fee status assessment can be found on the UCL website and also the UKCISA website (Higher Education: Definitions for fee status assessment).
Application
To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two professional referees as well as a cover letter to ich.iii.programme@ucl.ac.uk. Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Dr Elizabeth C. Rosser (e.rosser@ucl.ac.uk) and Prof Lucy Wedderburn (l.wedderburn@ucl.ac.uk).
Deadline for receipt of applications: 15 July 2021
Interview date: 28 July 2021