Tackling Rare Neuromuscular Diseases

- PhD Studentship

Apply for an MRC DTP fully-funded PhD studentship jointly supervised by Dr Jamshidi, Dr Alan Pittman and Dr Daniel Osborn.

Potential applicants must meet both the MRC’s academic and residency requirements to be eligible for these studentships.

The MRC LID Studentship pays tuition fees at the UKRI fee rate only. International students (those whose fee status is determined as ‘overseas’) will be required to cover the difference between the UKRI tuition fee rate and the institutional ‘Overseas’ tuition fee rate from other sources of funding (eg alternative scholarship or bursary). This is likely to be an annual cost of approximately GBP 15,000.00 – GBP 20,000.00 for full-time students. Applicants should expect to be registered for 3-4 years full-time.

To be generally eligible applicants must
(a) hold, or expect to obtain before September 2021, a 1st or 2.1 Honours degree (as a minimum), and
(b) International students may be required to show that they meet the English language requirements of their primary institution (where their proposed supervisor is based).

To apply there is a Proposal Writing component to the application, and therefore it is recommended that you contact the supervisors as soon as possible for advice before submitting.

Background

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD's) comprise 30% of all progressive muscular dystrophies, collectively affecting up to 500,000 individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, no definitive treatments for LGMD exist.

A significant obstacle in the development of treatments for LGMD is the lack of a genetic diagnosis in up to 50% of patients, coupled with incomplete knowledge of the underlying disease mechanisms. However, we and others have demonstrated that recent advances in gene sequencing can successfully be used to identify novel neuromuscular disease genes, and that model organisms can be used to validate the role of these genes in muscle development and disease.

This project will use state of the art genetic techniques to identify the molecular cause in undiagnosed LGMD patients and provide further knowledge of the underlying mechanisms using the zebrafish as a model organism.

The project will equip the student with a range of versatile skills including analysis of genetic data, bioinformatics, and in vivo disease modelling.

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, an MSc/MRes or BSc (2i or above) in biology, molecular biology, genetics, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field in a science discipline. Prior experience in basic laboratory skills is essential. Applicants should have an interest in rare disease genetics, bioinformatics, and be able to communicate data and ideas effectively.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 (GMT) on Monday 18 January 2021, and you can find details on how to apply here:

Who we are and what we are looking for:

We believe in a multi-disciplinary approach to science where each team member plays an important role in moving towards our goal of identifying the genetic cause of rare diseases and ultimately understanding the underlying mechanisms.

We are looking for individuals who are creative and independent thinkers with a passion for research, who have plenty of self-motivation, and the ability to work well within a team.

Reading lots of papers within your field and more widely is an important skill which will also allow you to be more creative in your thinking. Your PhD is not only about getting your research project and thesis done, but also an important training period, our Institute has an allocated budget to send you to conferences and the MRC LID program also includes funds towards workshops and training.

The high collegiality among the lab members can be seen in our list of publications where you will find undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs and PI as authors.

Our labs sit within a larger shared space where you will find helpful postdocs from other groups with expertise in different techniques. They are always willing to help and give valuable advice.

Maintaining a healthy work–life balance by finding a routine that works for you is important. We’re not a 9 to 5 lab - if you’re being productive then we’re happy. However, everyone is expected to participate in lab meetings and departmental seminars.

If you’re thinking of applying or have any questions please get in touch :-) yjamshid@sgul.ac.uk

Summer Studentships

If you’re an undergraduate student looking for an 8-week Genetics summer project The Genetics Society provide:

• £750 to cover justifiable expenses incurred by the host laboratory

• £200 per week for up to 8 weeks to cover student subsistence during the studentship

There are no restrictions concerning the nationality of the student, and the student does not have to attend a UK university.  However, students MUST attend the Summer School.

• Accommodation, transport to the venue and meals will be included for the duration of the summer school.

• Students will be asked to write a short report (around 800 words) within two months of completion of the project that may be included in the newsletter.

• Applications will be submitted by us, but both the PI and the named student must be members of the Genetics Society.

There is one closing date of  5pm on 31st March each year.

*****PLEASE note that I can only submit ONE application per year to the Genetics Society and there is no guarantee that the studentship will be awarded.*****

If you’re interested in applying please email yjamshid@sgul.ac.uk before the 15th February.