PhD Studentships available
1. PhD Studentship
Molecular determinants of haplotype-dependent proinsulin expression
Background and project:
The studentship is funded by Diabetes UK (www.diabetes.org.uk) and aims to study genetic predisposition to type 1 diabetes (T1D) conferred by the allele-dependent proinsulin expression. T1D is an autoimmune disease characterized by self-destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in insulin deficiency. In the Vorechovsky lab, we have identified critical variants in the proinsulin gene (INS) that are responsible for differential INS expression from T1D-predisposing and -protective haplotypes and are currently studying trans-acting factors that interact with these variants. We will extend these analyses to characterize these interactions further and exploit their therapeutic potential, ultimately reducing the risk of T1D. The work will be mainly experimental, exploiting a variety of methods in molecular and cellular biology, including ultra-violet light crosslinking, gel shift essays, RNA interference.
References: Diabetes 55:260-264; Nucleic Acids Res 35:6399-6413; Nat Rev Genet. 8:711-23.
The environment:
Successful candidates will receive training in a wide range of techniques in molecular biology and the faculty’s postgraduate training programme. The student will interact with staff experienced in molecular and cellular biology and bioinformatics, pre-mRNA splicing and translation. For further information see: http://www.soton.ac.uk and http://www.som.soton.ac.uk/pgr/.
Funding:
A studentship is available for 3 years. The student will be paid an annual stipend of £13,500 in year 1, £14,000 in year 2 and £14,500 in year 3 for working on the project. In addition, Diabetes UK will cover PhD fees at the European Union (EU) rate. If successful applicants are outside the EU, the non-EU Studentship rates will be covered only up to the equivalent cost for the EU rate.
Applications:
Applicants should have, or be expected to obtain, a First or Upper Second class Honours degree in Biochemistry or Biological Sciences. For international students, English language qualifications also apply, please check the International Students section at http://www.soton.ac.uk/international/entry_reqs/index.shtml. Informal enquiries should be made to Dr I Vorechovsky, (igvo@soton.ac.uk). For formal applications, visit https://www.sturec.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPRD1/bzsksrch.p_search.
The closing date for this position is midday on the 31.05.2010, with interviews to be held in June. The studentship is expected to commence on 1 October 2010, but the start date is negotiable.
2. Funded 4 year Integrated PhD in Biomedical Science
About us
The University of Southampton is one of the top 15 research-led universities in the United Kingdom. Housed in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, we are a vibrant and ambitious school with a leading reputation in research, enterprise and education. The 2008 UK Research Assessment Exercise rated over 70% of the School of Medicine’s research as World Leading or Internationally Excellent, placing us in the top 10 for UK medical schools. With an emphasis on translating new discoveries into healthcare practice, our research covers the spectrum from basic science to clinical innovation.
The University works closely with Southampton University Hospitals Trust, a partnership that has recently won two new biomedical research units funded by the Government’s National Institute for Health Research to undertake translational clinical research in the areas of respiratory disease and nutrition.
Integrated PhD
The 4 year Integrated PhD in Biomedical Science has been designed to produce the next generation of leaders in biomedical research, one of the major research strengths of the University of Southampton. You will have the opportunity to undertake a broad training in a range of research and generic skills.
Year 1 comprises modules in Research Skills and Statistics, Advanced Cell Biology and Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine as well as three laboratory Rotation Projects. Successful completion of year 1 is marked with the award of MRes.
Years 2-4 comprises an in-depth research study in Stem Cells, Human Development and Regenerative Medicine.
A key aim of the Stem Cell Science Programme is to produce well-rounded individuals who will have the talent and skills to be leaders in the field of stem cells and their application in regenerative medicine. In particular, our students will have a deep understanding of translational stem cell biology, and critically, will be able to communicate effectively with biologists, clinicians, bioengineers and physical scientists through exposure to the life sciences interface. Our research themes include Stem Cells, Human Development, Regenerative Medicine – with a strong life sciences / physical sciences interface.
Funding
Successful UK candidates will receive a full stipend equivalent to the current UK Research Council rate and a studentship to cover UK tuition fees. Successful EU students will receive a studentship to cover tuition fees. We welcome applications from overseas candidates who are eligible to apply for prize bursaries of £2,000pa to assist with the payment of overseas fees. In the event that you do not qualify for funding you have the option to self-fund.
Further information and how to apply
Information on the programme and details of how to apply can be found at
www.som.soton.ac.uk/pgr/degrees/integrated/
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY ONLINE BELOW.
Find out more about our research here:
www.som.soton.ac.uk/research/themes/human/
Informal enquiries: Please contact Professor Richard Oreffo, Professor of Musculoskeletal Science on 023 8079 8502 or roco@southampton.ac.uk and Professor David Wilson, Professor of Human Developmental Genetics on 023 8079 6421 or d.i.wilson@southampton.ac.uk
Closing date
The closing date for applicants wishing to start in October 2010 is midday on Thursday, 8th April 10.
Interviews
Interviews will take place on Wednesday, 21st April 2010. Applicants invited to interview will be asked to give a short presentation as part of the selection process.