Modelling the neuronal cell biology of human ageing in vitro
Start date: 1 October 2019
Award: 1 fully funded BBSRC CTP Studentship
Project:
This project is part of an exciting collaboration between the laboratory of Dr Alessio Vagnoni (Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, KCL) and the Neuroplasticity working group at Eli Lilly (Surrey, UK). The student will be based in the laboratory of Dr Vagnoni with a placement at Eli Lilly during the course of the PhD.
The successful candidate will join our efforts to advance the basic understanding of the cell biology of the neuron by modelling the ageing process of human neurons in vitro. The focus of the project is to study neuronal trafficking during ageing and neurodegeneration, with a particular emphasis on mitochondrial dynamics and function. We are currently using innovative methods to study how intracellular transport is regulated in the ageing neurons of Drosophila melanogaster and mice in vivo. This project will allow the student to bridge the gap between Drosophila, mouse and human in vitro models and uncover evolutionary conserved nodes regulating cargo transport in ageing neurons.
The post represents a unique opportunity to join a dynamic research group and receive extensive training in a wide range of techniques (advanced microscopy, cell culture, RNAseq, biochemistry, molecular biology), with a strong focus on data analysis. The Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience is located within the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, which has excellent laboratories and access to cutting-edge equipment and core facilities, including start-of-the-art microscopy equipment in the Nikon Imaging Centre.
The position is suitable for an outstanding, highly motivated and collaborative individual who has the ambition to contribute to the scientific progress in the field of neuronal cell biology.
For more details/informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Alessio Vagnoni: alessio.vagnoni@kcl.ac.uk
Supervisors: Dr Alessio Vagnoni and Prof Chris Shaw
Entry requirements: Applicants should have (or be expected to obtain) a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed project. If applicants already possess (or expect to obtain) a research-based MSc degree, a merit or distinction level is required.
Award types and eligibility:
The award covers 4-year PhD tuition fees and a competitive stipend, research costs, a travel allowance and the costs associated with a 3-6-month placement at Eli Lilly.
This studentship is available to Home/EU and Overseas students (for Overseas students the difference in fees will need to be made up), for guidance on residency criteria, please follow this link: https://www.ukri.org/files/legacy/news/training-grants-january-2018-pdf/
How to apply:
Applicants must complete and submit an online admissions application, via the admissions portal by midnight (23:59 GMT), Friday 1st February 2019.
On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, please select ‘Research degrees’ and enter the keyword Clinical Neuroscience 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:
AV-BBSRC-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 Dr Alessio Vagnoni 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: Friday 1st February 2019.
Interviews: February 2019 – TBC.
Further information:
For more information about the Collaborative Training Partnership, please refer to: https://bbsrc.ukri.org/skills/investing-doctoral-training/collaborative-training-partnerships/