3-year PhD Studentship in DBC, GOS ICH

Downstream Metabolic Effects of Decanoic Acid

A 3-year PhD Studentship funded by Vitaflo International Ltd. is available in the Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health. The studentship will commence in Spring 2023 under the supervision of Dr Simon Eaton and Professor Simon Heales.

The studentship will investigate and identify potential metabolic mechanisms responsible for the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of epilepsy.  The successful student will work with Prof Simon Heales (UCL) and Dr Simon Eaton (UCL) on a laboratory-based project that will utilise a range of state-of-the-art techniques (cell culture, electrophysiology, enzymology, mass spectrometry, molecular biology, imaging). Strong interactions with the clinical team at Great Ormond Street Hospital (headed by Professor Helen Cross) who manage patients on the ketogenic diet will also occur.  In addition, UCL offers an extensive extracurricular training and development program

The student will receive a starting stipend of £19,668 per annum (including London weighting) as well as the cost of tuition fees based on UK fee status. 

Personal Specification

Applicants should have a good first degree (UK 1st class or upper 2nd class honours degree or equivalent from abroad) and preferably a Master’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in a relevant discipline by the time of registration.

Eligibility

This studentship covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate.  Non-UK students can apply but will have to personally fund the difference between the UK (Home) rate and the overseas rate where they are not eligible for UK fee status.

NB: You will be asked about your likely fee status at the interview so we would advise you to contact the UCL Graduate Admissions Office for advice should you be unsure whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for Home fee status.  Further information on Brexit and the definitions for fee status assessment can be found on the UCL website and also the UKCISA website (Higher Education: Definitions for fee status assessment).

Application

To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two professional referees as well as a cover letter to ich.dbc.admin@ucl.ac.uk. Enquiries regarding the post can be made to s.eaton@ucl.ac.uk or s.heales@ucl.ac.uk

Deadline for receipt of applications: 17 February 2023

Interview date: To be confirmed