Executive Dean鈥檚 PhD Studentship in Mimicking Laminopathies: the impact of disease-specific Lamin A mutations in peripheral chromatin organisation and nuclear envelope function
CHMLS at 明星八卦 is offering a fully funded PhD studentship to investigate the effects of lamin A mutations, relevant in laminopathies, in inducing alterations to the nuclear envelope. The project will focus on lamin A mutations most prevalent in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, Familial Partial Lipodystrophies and Dilated Cardiomyopathies, and employ genome-wide and high-resolution imaging techniques to study how the mutations affect the nuclear lamina and nuclear pore complexes’ structure and function, specifically the organisation of chromatin at the nuclear periphery. This project will also generate new model cell-lines for analysing new, repurposed and gene editing treatments.
Based in and funded by the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, this studentship offers a full-time annual London rate stipend estimated at £20,551 plus Home/EU tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months. Bench fees are supported by the studentship up to £5000/pa.
The Department of Life Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award and is committed to equality of opportunity and advancing women’s careers.
The start date will be 1st October 2023.
Overview
The nuclear envelope (NE) is composed of the nuclear lamina and associated proteins, and intercalated by nuclear pore complexes (NPC). These two structures have a high degree of communication and are both involved in anchoring and regulating gene expression. Lamin A mutations have been studied in the context of nuclear shape, gene expression alterations and chromatin repositioning but we do not yet understand the full impact on the overall reshaping of the NE (including NPC structure and function) and the subsequent regulation of peripheral chromatin. Equipped with high resolution imaging and genomic techniques the project will assess how specific disease-related lamin A mutations impact NE and chromatin associations.
The successful candidate will be supervised by an expert interdisciplinary team of researchers from the Centre of Genome Engineering and Maintenance and the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Group, with primary supervision from Prof Jo Bridger in laminopathies and bioimaging, secondary supervision from Dr Ines Castro in genomics and nuclear biology, and bioinformatic and data analysis from Dr Raha Pazoki, the Research Development Advisor.
For informal discussions, please contact Prof Joanna Bridger on Joanna.Bridger@brunel.ac.uk or Dr Ines Castro on ines.castro@brunel.ac.uk.
Eligibility
Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in Biosciences or a related field. A Masters qualification would be desirable. Laboratory Experience (i.e. in Tissue Culture, PCR, Indirect Immunofluorescence, Bioimaging) is essential and an interest in genomic approaches is desirable. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section).
How to apply
If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk by 7 June 2023.
- An up-to-date CV.
- A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement describing why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).
- One example of your academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from a dissertation).
- A summary of your teaching experience or your willingness to support teaching activities.
- Names and contact details for two academic referees.
- A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
- A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.
Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview week commencing 3rd July 2023.
For further information about how to apply, please contact the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Postgraduate Programmes Office on chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk.