PhD Study : Molecular Pathology of Glaucoma

Apply and key information  

Summary

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide affecting over 64 million people. Glaucoma is a complex multifactorial ocular disease with a significant health and socio-economic impact. Our group in combination with  national and international collaborators are working on a number of areas to understand the molecular pathology of glaucoma. Using a integrative approach a number of complimentary projects are ongoing to understand the genetics, cellular and molecular mechanisms of glaucoma and develop new pharmacological, gene-based and cell therapies for glaucoma.

The areas we are currently studying include:

1. Role of TGFβ and connective tissue growth factor in glaucoma related fibrosis in the trabecular meshwork and following glaucoma surgery.

2. Oxidative stress and glaucoma pathogenesis

3. Mitochondrial dysfunction in glaucoma

4. MicroRNA gene regulation in glaucoma

5. Stem cell biology of the trabecular meshwork cell using transcriptomics and single cell sequencing

6. The pharmacogenetics and molecular basis for steroid glaucoma

7. Genetics of advanced glaucoma

We now wish to recruit a motivated, hard-working person with a good background in cell biology/genetics/molecular biology and a strong desire to learn new techniques. In turn, we will provide training in a range of cutting-edge approaches, including bioinformatics, transcriptomics, miRNA biology, cell culture, stem cell biology and genetics. The PhD Researcher will be provided with training and support, and will be expected to drive their project forward with the help and guidance of more senior lab members and our collaborators on this project.  The  applicant will join an ambitious group with national and international collaborations in the UK, US and Ireland.

Methods to be used:

These will include (depending on the specific research focus):

- research-specific skills: genotyping, molecular biology, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, cell biology, DNA sequencing and model systems (cellular, mouse and organ culture, genetics/GWAS.

- generic research skills: critical thinking, IT skills, scientific integrity, ethics, project and time management, scientific writing, presentation skills and public engagement;

- transferable skills: personal effectiveness, oral and written communication skills, networking and teamwork, management and leadership, understanding of research context.

Skills required of applicant:

We are seeking an applicant with good practical laboratory, computer and communication skills and enthusiasm and commitment to work diligently on all aspects of the research project. A background in biomedical sciences, genetics, pharmacology or a related subject would be desirable. Informal enquiries to Prof Colin Willoughby (c.willoughby@ulster.ac.uk) are welcomed.

References:

https://pure.ulster.ac.uk/en/persons/colin-willoughby/publications/

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

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.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Masters at 65%
  • Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
  • Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • 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 successful applicant will be expected to provide the funding for tuition fees, living expenses, attendance at conferences (around £1,500) and research costs of £10,000 per year. There is NO funding attached to this project. Details of costs can be found on the University website.

We have a thriving international researcher community and encourage applications from students of any nationality able to fund their own studies or who wish to apply for their own funding.

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Wednesday 1 January 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
Submission dates and interview : open/year round

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Colin Willoughby