PhD Studentship in Ocular Biology and Tissue Engineering – Building a 3D model of the Human Keratoconic Cornea @Newcastle University

Postgraduate Opportunities

Newcastle University

Reference code: HG060
Closing date: The post will remain open until a suitable applicant is appointed. Early application is advised.
Supervisors: Professor C Connon,Institute of Genetic Medicine and ophthalmic surgeon Professor F Figueiredo, Institute of Genetic Medicine
Sponsor: This PhD studentship is funded by the generous support of The Randerson Foundation
Duration of the award: September 2016 for 3 years.
Person Specification
You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent, in a subject relating to the biological sciences. A further qualification such as an MRes is advantageous but not necessary.
The award is available to UK/EU and international applicants. If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5, or equivalent.
Project Description
Interested in developing a treatment for a common form of blindness?
Keratoconus is a disease affecting the cornea causing it to become thin, scared and pointed. This project will develop a 3D in vitro model of the pathogenic cornea to investigate this disease and explore potential novel therapies.
The hypothesis underpinning this proposal is that stromal cells within the keratoconic cornea
contribute significantly to the structural changes observed within this tissue.
The student will receive world-leading training in corneal cell biology and cutting-edge biomaterial science to develop tissue engineered 3D models of the cornea. Working within a world-leading laboratory in corneal tissue engineering the student will use these tools to develop and test her/his own hypothesis on the potential causes and treatments of this disease.

Funding information

Funding applies to:

Open to applicants from a range of countries

Funding notes:

100% of UK/EU tuition fees paid and annual living expenses of £14,296. Also a research training support grant of £5000 per year. Successful international candidates will be required to make up the difference between the UK/EU fees and international fees.

Contacts and how to apply

Academic contact:

For further details, please contact:
Prof C Connon
Professor of Tissue Engineering
Faculty of Medical Sciences
Newcastle University
E-mail: che.connon@newcastle.ac.uk

Administrative contact and how to apply:

You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form. Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However, please complete the following:
• insert the programme code 8300F in the programme of study section
• select ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences – Genetic Medicine' as the programme of study
• insert the studentship code HG060 in the studentship/partnership reference field
• attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code HG060 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
• attach degree transcripts and certificates and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualification