Funded PhD Position:
Project Title: Identifying novel ciliopathy treatments in Caenorhabditis elegans
Principal supervisor:Dr. Karen Lange
Co-supervisor:Prof. (opens in a new window)Oliver Blacque
Start Date:January 1, 2024
Stipend:€19,000/annum & EU student fees
Location:Dublin, Ireland
About the project: Primary cilia are antenna-like organelles that are found on almost all human cells. They play important roles in developmental signalling pathways (eg. Shh, Wnt) and sensing the environment. Cilia dysfunction causes rare genetic disorders, called ciliopathies, which affect most body tissues and organs. Many ciliopathies are progressive and there are currently no treatments available. Drug treatments that delay, prevent, or reverse primary cilia defects have the potential to directly increase the quality of life for patients with ciliopathies. Primary cilia are highly conserved in C. elegans (a microscopic roundworm) and we use CRISPR genome editing to model patient variants in worms. We are seeking a PhD student to carry out two complementary screens (a genetic suppressor screen and a drug repurposing screen) to identify novel therapeutic targets that restore cilia function to worm ciliopathy models.
Role of the PhD Student:
Formal module based training is available in the first years of the PhD
.The PhD student will learn a variety of lab techniques (CRISPR, molecular biology, genetics, high throughput screening, microscopy) and transferable skills (statistics, time management, project management, writing). They will be required to keep a complete/accurate record of all research activities and conform to standard research integrity practices. The PhD student will have the opportunity to present their work at international conferences.
Research environment: The group is affiliated with the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences. The lab is located in the Conway Institute, an interdisciplinary research centre exploring the mechanisms of health and disease towards the development of preventative strategies and novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.
Applicant requirements: The applicant should have a 2.1 or higher Bachelor’s degree from a relevant biological discipline such as Genetics or Cell Biology. EU/UK applicants eligible only.
To apply, applicants should send a CV and cover letter to
(opens in a new window)karen.lange@ucd.ie by October 31, 2023