PhD Study : Designing, Testing, Optimising and achieving Delivery of Gene Silencing and Editing Therapies for Genetic Diseases

Summary

​Background to the project:

Advances in our understanding of the molecular genetic disease combined with the recent discoveries in gene silencing and editing technologies move us closer to a future where gene therapy in the form of siRNA or CRISPR will become mainstay medical care. Our laboratory has developed gene silencing and gene editing technologies which specifically reduce expression of damaging mutant proteins, while leaving the normal protein unaffected, both within patient cells grown in the laboratory, exvivo in eyes and in genetically modified animal models of the diseases we target the theapy to.

Methods to be used:

The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research in state-of-the art facilities and gain wide experience in a variety of cell and molecular biology techniques. Samples from patients and mouse models of disease will be used. The student will join a group with both national and international collaborations and two key industrial partners that will allow pursuit of research towards the prevention of these debilitating genetic diseases.

Objectives of the Research:

The objective of this research is to move forward gene therapy development and delivery to target tissues. The project will involve working with two very different gene therapy methods, one temporary and one permanent, to prevent the development of disease. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules bind to a cytoplasmic protein complex and can be designed to selectively cleave mutant mRNA molecules and decrease protein expression. Once the siRNA degrades, the mutant mRNA and protein return. Chemical modification of the siRNA which may slow degradation and prolong gene silencing will be investigated. CRISPR/Cas9 is a bacterial ribo-endonuclease engineered for use in animal cells that, by alteration of its RNA sequence can be programmed to make precise permanent genomic DNA alterations. Methods of delivery of gene therapy components will be investigated and optimised throughout the project ensuring the most specific and potent therapy is developed .

Skills required of applicant:

The applicant should have experience of undertaking a research project, good communication and organisational skills, experience of effective team working and an ability and willingness to learn new skills and techniques, undertake scientific writing and to travel. ​

Please note: Applications for more than one PhD studentships are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living