Applications are invited for two PhD clinical based fellowships at UCL Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery under the supervision of Prof. Henry Houlden, Prof John Hardy and colleagues in the Department of Molecular Neuroscience and The MRC centre for Neuromuscular Diseases with Profs Reilly and Hanna. The ideal start date is between 1st June and 1st October, 2017.

This project is funded by Ataxia UK, UCL and The Rosetrees Trust and aims to identify disease genes and genetic modifiers using exome and genome sequencing.

The Institute of Neurology has a world class reputation for neuroscience. The mission is to translate neuroscience discovery research into treatments for patients with neurological diseases.

Course Level: Fellowships are available for pursuing PhD programme.

Study Subject:  Two three-year PhD clinical based fellowship positions are available:

• Identification of Disease Genes using Genome Sequencing, Functional Analysis, Clinical Characterisation and Genetic Modifiers of Spinocerebellar Ataxia.
• Identification of Disease Genes using Genome Sequencing, Functional Analysis and Clinical Characterisation in Neuromuscular Disorders.

Scholarship Award: The fellowships are funded for 3 years (until 30th September, 2020) and will cover UK/EU UCL PhD tuition fees and an annual salary stipend starting at £16,815 for the Muscular Dystrophy UK fellowship and £16,180 for the Ataxia UK fellowship with laboratory consumables specific to the project of £7,200 per year as well as already included genome and exome sequencing costs.

Scholarship can be taken in the UK

Eligibility:

Ideal person specification

• A medical degree (MD, MBBS or similar) obtained at an EU/UK or non-EU university.
• A good degree (2.1 or above) in a biology/neuroscience subject (or equivalent EU/overseas degree), and in addition ideally an MSc in a related area.
• Interested in neurological diseases in patients and translational research
• Excellent experimental skills, preferably in cell or molecular genetics
• Good analytical/mathematical skills, preferably with some knowledge of bioinformatics approaches.
• A very strong work ethic, with the ability to think creatively and work within the team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Genetic analysis of families with neurological disorders
• Identification of disease genes, genetic modifiers
• Clinical characterisation of patients and families
• Functional analysis of disease genes
• Travel to collect blood and tissue and for clinical analysis as we collaborate widely throughout the world.
• Work in collaboration with other researchers and prepare progress reports on research as required.
• Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare presentations, including text and images, for delivery by self and others.
• Travel for training, collaboration and other meetings or conferences.
• Contribute to the overall activities of the research team, department and be aware of UCL policies.

Nationality: UK and international students are eligible to apply.

College Admission Requirement

Entrance Requirement: Applicants must have a medical degree.

Test Requirement: No

English Language Requirement: Good communication skills – especially in written English.

Application Deadline: Contact Employer

Scholarship Link