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How does folic acid prevent spina bifida in the embryo?
This 3-year PhD Studentship, funded by the Bo Hjelt Spina Bifida Foundation, is available within the Nervous System Development and Disease Group in the Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/child-health/research/developmental-biology-and-cancer/developmental-biology-birth-defects/nervous-system). The project will focus on the genetic requirement for spinal neural tube closure, impact of folic acid and the embryonic mechanisms of spina bifida.
The studentship will commence in early 2022 under the supervision of Professor Andrew Copp and Professor Nick Greene. Students join a multidisciplinary research group focussed on understanding the causes, defining mechanisms and designing novel therapies for disorders of the developing central nervous system. We have a particular focus on development of the neural tube and the associated birth defects, such as spina bifida, and use a wide range of approaches including genetic models (especially in mice), developmental biology, bioimaging, and molecular approaches.
The PhD project will provide a training in developmental biology and utilise multiple techniques including mouse genetics, embryo culture, light and confocal fluorescence microscopy, live imaging, biochemistry, molecular biology and metabolome analysis. The PhD student will have the opportunity to benefit from a range of skills training courses run by UCL. Students receive a starting stipend of £17,609 per annum (including London weighting) as well as the cost of tuition fees based on UK fee status.
Personal Specification
Applicants should have a good first degree (UK 1st class or upper 2nd class honours degree or equivalent from abroad) and a Master’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in a relevant discipline by the time of registration.
Eligibility
This studentship covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate. Non-UK students can apply but will need to personally fund the difference between the UK (Home) rate and the overseas rate, if 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, if you are 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.dbc.admin@ucl.ac.uk. Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Prof. Andrew Copp (a.copp@ucl.ac.uk).
Deadline for receipt of applications: 31st October 2021
Interview date: To be confirmed