Mechanisms of disease onset of C9 ALS/FTD
To start: 1st October 2017
Award
1 fully funded IoPPN/MNDA PhD studentship
Project
A 3 year PhD studentship is available starting 01 October 2017 in the newly established Maurice Wohl Institute, King's College London. The project will investigate molecular mechanisms underlying the most common genetic alteration in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The successful candidate will utilize existing Drosophila models to carry out a comparative RNA-seq screen to identify candidates mediating toxicity of dipeptide repeat proteins and TDP-43 accumulation, the pathological hallmarks of ALS and FTD. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis will be carried out in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Centre. Validation of candidate genes will include in vivo studies in Drosophila and post-mortem human brain samples.
Methods applied include Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Histology, Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy as well as Behavioural Analysis. Eligible UK/EU candidates should have a 2:1/merit or 1st class honours/distinction degree (or equivalent) and document Band B proficiency in English. For further details and how to apply, contact Dr. Frank Hirth, frank.hirth@kcl.ac.uk
Supervisors
Dr. Frank Hirth and Prof. Ammar Al-Chalabi
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree (or equivalent) in a subject relevant to the proposed project. If applicants already possess a research-based MSc degree, a merit or distinction level (or equivalent) is required.
Where necessary, Band D proficiency in English is required; see http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/entry-requirements/english-language.aspx
Award type and eligibility
The award covers a 3-year PhD stipend (year one: £17,000; year two: £17,500; year three: £18,000) and tuition fees for UK/EU nationals
How to apply
Applicants must complete and submit an online admissions application, via the admissions portal by 3rd September 2017
On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, select ‘Research degrees’ and enter keyword Neuroscience.
In your application, you need to include:
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic Transcripts – where applicable, academic transcripts must be submitted with the online admissions application
- Details of your qualifications (you will need to attach copies)
- Details of previous employment
- A personal statement describing your interests and why you wish to apply for this project. Please attach this as an attachment rather than using the text box.
- Academic References – all admissions applications require two supporting references. If the applicant is relying on his/her referees to submit references directly to the College after he/she has submitted his/her admissions application, then the applicant must ensure that their chosen referees are made aware of the funding deadline.
In the Funding section, please tick box 5 and include the reference:
FH-MNDA-PhD-2017
Please note there is no need to complete the Research Proposal section in your application as the project has already been set.
You are welcome to email Dr Frank Hirth (supervisor) for more information regarding the project and studentship.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Research Administrator.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: 3rd September
Interviews: Second week of September
Further Information
About the IoPPN
Studying at the IoPPN
Research degrees at the IoPPN
KCL Researcher Development Programme
About the Research Group