Signalling pathways controlling the generation of the pharyngeal arches
Start date: 1st October 2019
Award: Anatomical Society studentship in the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology
Project:
The pharynx is an important region of the body that is involved in many key processes including feeding, respiration, immune and endocrine activities. Although the mature organisation of the pharynx is highly intricate and complex, this territory has its developmental origin in a series of bulges, the pharyngeal arches, found on the lateral surface of the embryonic head. However, we know little about how the development of the pharynx is directed and it is important to understand this, both with respect to how this critical region of the body emerges but also because there are numerous birth defects that present with malformations of this territory. The aim of this project is to understand the mechanisms that control the sequential generation of the pharyngeal arches. We aim to study the interplay between the main signalling pathways that are involved in this process (FGF, RA (retinoic acid) and WNT) and how these impact upon the development of the arches. We further aim to modulate the levels of these signalling pathways to determine if we can alter the number of pharyngeal pouches, and thus arches, generated during development and to assess what effects this has for the anatomy of this region.
Supervisors: Prof Anthony Graham and Dr Esther Bell
Entry requirements:
Applicants should have or expect at least an upper second class degree (2:1) in a subject relevant to the proposed project. If applicants possess a lower second class (2:2) then a research-based MSc at merit or distinction level is required.
Students appointed to this studentships will normally be graduates in a biomedical or biological subject. This project would be most suitable for students with knowledge of aspects of developmental biology, embryology, vertebrate biology or anatomy.
Award types and eligibility:
The fully funded studentship for three years covers the following:
- Tuition fee (Home/EU rate only)
- Stipend (approx. £16,777)
- Research fees
- Travel allowance
- Anatomical Society membership
Full information can be found at: https://www.mrc.ac.uk/skills-careers/studentships/studentship-guidance/student-eligibility-requirements/
How to apply:
Applicants must complete and submit an online admissions application, via the admissions portal by midnight (23:59 GMT), Monday 4th March 2019.
On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, please select ‘Research degrees’ and enter the keyword ‘Neurobiology’, then select ‘MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time)/.
In your application, you will be asked to include:
- 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 include 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 following reference: AG-CDN-2019
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 Professor Anthony Graham anthony.graham@kcl.ac.uk (supervisor) for more information regarding the project and studentship.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Lauren Soules, Postgraduate Research Administrative Assistant.
References must be received by the deadline for the applicant to be eligible.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing date: 4th March 2019
Interviews: Late March
Further information:
About the IoPPN
Studying at the IoPPN
Research degrees at the IoPPN
Anatomical Society