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We are welcoming applications for a 3-Year PhD studentship funded by Moorfields Eye Charity. 'Regulation of retinal pigment epithelium polarization and function.' Closes 24 March.
UCL Department / Division: UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
Application deadline: 24 March 2023
Duration of Studentship: 3 years, available to start from August 1, 2023
PhD Title: Regulation of retinal pigment epithelium polarization and function
Supervisor(s): Professor Karl Matter and Professor Maria S. Balda
We are offering a full-time, 3-year PhD studentship to investigate the molecular and cellular processes underlying polarization and function of retinal pigment epithelial cells.
The post offers an exciting opportunity for someone to play a key role in research focusing on the molecular, cell biological, and biophysical mechanisms and principles that mediate the polarisation and function of retinal pigment epithelial cells. The project will be based on previous work that led to the identification of molecular signalling mechanisms that control epithelial polarization and function (NCB 2017, JCB 2013, JCB 2022). The project will focus on basic cell biological questions as well as the relevance of discovered new mechanisms for eye disease and ocular therapeutic approaches.
The project will enable a student to learn and apply a range of molecular, cell biological, and biophysical approaches to manipulate cultured RPE cells and to study how the interplay between cellular signalling mechanisms and the RPE microenvironment determines normal RPE function and how cellular signalling mechanisms can be exploited to prevent malfunction. Lentiviral CRISPR in vivo knockout approaches will be employed to corroborate in vitro findings with in vivo experiments in mice.
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a minimum upper-second degree or equivalent in a relevant subject such as cell and/or molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or biomedical sciences. A Master’s degree or previous lab-based research experience is desirable.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate is expected to:
- Culture RPE cell lines and primary cultures
- Differentiate RPE cells from human embryonic stem cells
- Perform molecular manipulations using RNA interference, CRISPR and standard expression vectors
- Employ a range of fluorescence microscopes (epifluorescence, confocal, FLIM, etc.) to assess and visualise processes underlying RPE polarisation and function in fixed and live cells
- Work in collaboration with other researchers
- Prepare progress reports
- Prepare presentations
- Travel for collaboration and other meetings or conferences
- Prepare manuscripts for submission to international peer-reviewed journals
- Contribute to the overall activities of the research team, department and be aware of UCL policies
Person Specification
- A good degree (2.1 or above; or equivalent EU/overseas degree) and/or MSc in a relevant subject such as cell and/or molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or biomedical sciences
- Experience with basic biochemical and molecular laboratory methods
- Experience with basic microscopy
- Excellent methodological skills, particularly in project planning
- High proficiency in written and spoken English is required
- Very strong work ethic, with the ability to think creatively and work both individually and within a team
Informal enquiries should be made to Professor Karl Matter (k.matter@ucl.ac.uk).
How to apply
Applicants should submit an application to the Research Degrees Manager ioo.pgr@ucl.ac.uk. You will be required to submit a CV, a covering letter outlining motivation, interest, and suitability for this project, and contact details for two academic referees.
Enquiries relating to the application process should be sent to the Research Degrees Manager at ioo.pgr@ucl.ac.uk
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interview.
The successful candidate is expected to start August 1, but flexibility with respect to the start date is possible.
Funding Notes
This studentship is funded for 3 years by the Moorfields Eye Charity and includes UK UCL PhD tuition fees, laboratory costs and an annual salary stipend starting at £22,000.
Eligibility
The full studentship (tuition fees and salary stipend) is eligible to all UK nationals and some EU nationals depending on their settlement status. Only UK Home rate tuition fees can be covered.
Applicants who will incur international fees are welcome to apply but they must show that they can supplement the difference between UK and international fees in their application.
Application deadline: 24 March 2023
Proposed interview date: Week beginning 17 April