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UCL Institute of Ophthalmology

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Studentships Available

We are currently recruiting for a funded PhD studentship.

Dept/School: Institute of Ophthalmology

Project Supervisors: Dr Patric Turowski and Prof Pete Coffey

Funding Availability: Directly funded project (European/UK Students Only)

Application Deadline: 7 July, 2017 

Ideal start date: 1 September, 2017

How to apply: Application is by CV and covering letter (including motivation for applying) emailed to p.turowski@ucl.ac.uk

Project:

This project is aimed at characterising the mitochondrial dynamics in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE constitutes a protective cell layer in the eye located at the back of the retina. RPE mitochondria are crucial for dealing with the chronic accumulation of retinal waste. We have identified a novel family of proteins, ARMCX, which appear key to mitochondrial health and dynamics and propose to study how they regulate RPE function. The successful candidate will be using cutting edge technology, in particular cell and mitochondrial biology, molecular genetic, biochemistry, live cell microscopy and electron microscopy.  

Environment  

All of the research will be conducted at UCL with the majority at the IOO. The IOO is one of the world’s leading centres of vision research. It is closely associated with Moorfield’s Eye Hospital (MEH) and the NIHR- funded BRC for Ophthalmology to ensure a strong focus on translational research and exceptional research and training opportunities. The IOO is part of the UCL School of Life and Medical Sciences (SLMS), a UK leader in medical and health research. In the REF2014 UCL came out on top in terms of overall research strength. UCL also has the greatest amount of 4* research in medicine and biological sciences. Overall this makes UCL and the IOO one of the best possible training environments for a PhD. The IOO is a major training centre for postgraduate students, with currently over 100 registered PhD/MD students. Students receive mentorship and training in transferable skills. Regular student meetings and social activities are organised by the students’ rep committee to foster a sense of community and regular exchange of their experiences. The IOO is committed to championing equality and has won a Silver Athena Swan award in 2013.

Dr Turowski is an internationally–recognised expert in cell biology and signalling. To date he has supervised 10 PhD/MD and 7 MSc/MRes students. Key achievements have been published in IOVS, J Cell Sci, Mol Biol Cell, Dev Cell and PNAS.

Ideal person specification

  • A good degree (2.1 or above; or equivalent EU/overseas degree) in a biology/neuroscience/biomedical subject area, and in addition ideally a MSc in a related area.  
  • Interested in cell biology and eye diseases as well as translational research  
  • Excellent experimental skills, preferably in mitochondrial biology, and in molecular and cellular biology  
  • Good analytical/mathematical skills, preferably with some knowledge of bioinformatics approaches.  
  • Good communication skills 

Funding Notes

This studentship is funded for 3 years by Moorfields Eye Charity. It will cover UK/EU UCL PhD tuition fees and an annual salary stipend at £19,500 with laboratory consumable specific to the project of £8,071 per year.

Information for prospective students

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Reasons to study at the Institute of Ophthalmology

Student feedback

" This was a great course with provided me a deep knowledge of basic science in Ophthalmology. I got a lot out of this course – such as a poster and journal publication. It improved my academic and research skills, like critical appraisal of journal articles and lab techniques.

Morteza Afrasiabi (MSc Biology of Vision graduate – 2013/14 class)

What can I expect?

  1. As a student of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, your programme of research will be overseen by a Principal Supervisor with collaboration from a Subsidiary Supervisor.
  2. Your progress will be monitored annually by a Graduate Tutor.
  3. You will be invited to join a Staff/Student Consultative Committee.
  4. Regular development seminars and training sessions will be organised by the student body itself and you will be encouraged to take part.
  5. You will be welcome to attend diverse weekly seminars organised by academic staff at the Institute.
  6. You will have access to the UCL Graduate School's ongoing skills development programme.

In short, your graduate research career will have the very best of starts!

Important Funding News:

If you’re starting a postgraduate master’s course from 1 August 2016, and are a UK/EU national, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,000 to help with your course and living costs.