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A 3-year PhD Studentship on stem cell models of anaesthesia, funded by the NC3Rs, is available within the UCL GOS Institute of Child Health. The studentship will commence no later than 01/10/2024, under the supervision of Dr Gabriel Galea, Prof Paolo de Coppi and Dr Pratheeban Nambyiah.
Background
Fetal surgery is an increasingly topical area of research which is substantially benefitting patients who have severe congenital malformations, such as spina bifida. Our unpublished data shows that progenitor neurons, which are abundant during fetal development, are particularly susceptible to a commonly-used agent. Which combinations of anesthetics are least neurotoxic remains unknown.
Hypothesis/Aims
This PhD studentship aims to use hiPSC-derived neural cultures to define neurotoxic or neuroprotective effects of fetal anesthesia.
About the role
The student will be supervised by a neuroembryologist who is also the Institute of Child Health co-Departmental Graduate Tutor for research degrees, an anaesthetist who performs fetal anaesthesia, and a surgeon scientist with internationally-recognized expertise in stem cell biology. This will provide interdisciplinary training in iPSC modelling of neural development and disease. These models will replace animal use in fetal anaesthesia research, which are inherently limited because of differences in developmental timelines between humans and animals.
This Studentship presents a unique opportunity to conduct supervised research at and be a part of the research community, being an integral part of the exciting and thriving research team.
About you
Applicants should have, or expect to receive, at least an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in a relevant discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
Previous experience of cell culture models is essential, and experience culturing iPSC cells is desirable. The successful candidate will have a demonstrable commitment to a career in research and ability to work as part of large multi-di sciplinary team while taking ownership for the progress of their own project.
What we offer
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.
The student will receive a starting stipend of £21,181 per annum (including London weighting) as well as the cost of tuition fees based on UK fee status. The studentship also provides consumables costs to carry out the proposed research.
How to Apply
Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Dr Gabriel Galea (g.galea@ucl.ac.uk)
To apply, please send a 1) current CV including the contact details of two professional referees and 2) a 1-sided A4 cover letter to Dr Gabriel Galea (g.galea@ucl.ac.uk). The cover letter should explain how your previous experience is relevant to this project, and what your future career plans are.
Closing deadline for applications: 30 May 2024
Interview date: week commencing: 10 June 2024
Applications that are submitted without following the correct application process will not be considered. The successful applicant will then be required to apply to and register on the Child Health research degree to take up the studentship.
