PhD Study : Functional mapping of novel biomarkers in glaucoma

Summary

Perimetry, the clinical method for identifying visual field loss in glaucoma, involves presenting stimuli (spots of light) of fixed area, varying in luminance, to the retina and measuring the lowest luminance that can be detected at multiple locations in the field. However, this technique has major limitations: a) low sensitivity to early damage, and b) high variability in moderate damage, making it difficult to identify further deterioration in those already diagnosed.

The stimuli were developed >40 years ago, before the pathophysiology of glaucoma was understood, and has remained relatively unchanged since. Thus, with a stimulus design that has weak scientific underpinnings, it is unsurprising that glaucomatous changes are difficult to detect with current clinical devices. Our group has recently discovered two functional biomarkers for glaucoma (changes in spatial and temporal summation) and proposed a method for identifying these clinically with a novel evidence-based stimulus that has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than conventional stimuli.

In this PhD, the student will investigate and quantify the relationship between measures of visual function with the new stimulus and measures of neural structure in glaucoma. This will be achieved with bespoke psychophysical techniques and retinal imaging (e.g. optical coherence tomography).

Findings will add to the growing evidence relating to the physiological basis for the novel stimulus. In terms of impact, findings will enable clinicians to relate measures of visual function to findings of altered retinal parameters in the clinical setting, and make more precise decisions about treatment. The student will become part of a long-established, multi-disciplinary, UK-wide team of collaborators including research partners at Cardiff University and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.

Post suitable for registered optometrist or someone with similar clinical skills and experience.

The work will be conducted in collaboration with research partners at Cardiff University and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the 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