3 Year PhD Studentship: Defining genes and molecular processes underlying newly identified forms of inherited eye disease Ref: 2192

Exeter Medical School

University of Exeter

The University of Exeter Medical School is seeking to attract PhD candidates of outstanding ability to join their exciting and rapidly expanding programme of internationally rated research.
This Fight for Sight jointly funded PhD studentship forms part of a collaborative research study between workers at UEMS and the University of Southampton and will be primarily based in the Community Genomics research group in the vibrant, modern and dynamic RILD Wellcome Wolfson Research Institute (UEMS). The main research aim of this highly regarded group is to investigate the molecular causes of inherited disease identified in families through long standing community research programs in populations such as the Amish in order to aid disease diagnosis, treatment and patient care locally. This studentship aims to investigate new causes of inherited eye diseases in these populations. The study is based on particularly robust foundations and will involve investigation of a new molecule, not previously associated with inherited disease, recently found to be responsible for inherited eye disease by the research group. As the biological function of the molecule is currently unknown, initial studies will aim to learn more about the molecular role of the molecule and also determine the outcome of the mutations identified on molecular function. In parallel with these functional investigations, genetic studies will be undertaken of other forms of inherited eye disease in order to discover other new inherited causes of these conditions in UK as well as overseas populations. As well as greatly enhancing scientific knowledge of the molecular basis of inherited eye disorders, this highly translational studentship will also provide important community benefits by aiding molecular diagnostic services and clinical care in overseas communities in which these services are significantly under developed.
The student will join a truly international team of researchers and will be jointly supervised by a cross-disciplinary team of clinical and molecular geneticists, functional biologists and ophthalmologists at UEMS and Southampton. The student will benefit from hands-on training in a broad variety of modern genetic, bioinformatic, molecular and cell studies in undertaking this work. Applications from candidates with wide-ranging biological backgrounds may apply, although candidates with a neuro or ocular science background are particularly encouraged.
Lead Supervisor:
Professor Andrew Crosby, Professor of Human Genetics, UEMS
Co-supervisors: Dr Emma Baple; Dr Jay Self, University of Southampton
Funding Notes:
The studentship will be fully-funded for three years for UK/EU students, including a stipend of £14,296 per annum (based on the full-time 16/17 rate). Tuition fees will be paid at the UK/EU rate. Candidates from countries outside the European Union will be liable for the difference between 'home student fees' and 'international student fees' which was just over £14,000 in 15/16 but is likely to increase slightly each year. Non-EU students who wish to be considered must confirm their ability to pay the international portion of the fee. If selected, financial assurances will be required.
Entry requirements:
Applicants should be highly motivated and have, or expect to obtain, either a first or upper-second class BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. International applicants must also have IELTS [International English Language Testing System] score of 7 and above (or equivalent qualification).

Funding information

Funding applies to:

Open to applicants from a range of countries

Funding notes:

Stipend of £14,296 per annum plus UK/EU fees for eligible students (2016-17 full-time rates)
Candidates from countries outside the European Union will be liable for the difference between 'home student fees' and 'international student fees' which was just over £14,000 in 15/16 but is likely to increase slightly each year. Non-EU students who wish to be considered must confirm their ability to pay the international portion of the fee. If selected, financial assurances will be required.

Contacts and how to apply

Administrative contact and how to apply:

For further information and details of how to apply please see here.

Application deadline:

9 June 2016