“The role of microRNAs in neural development and locomotor behaviour” – deadline May 16^th 2016

An exciting PhD studentship is available in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex supervised by Professor Claudio Alonso within the broad field of Developmental Neuroscience. The aim of the project is to investigate the genetic factors underlying the control of movement with an emphasis on the roles played by small RNAs in the process. The work will combine state-of-the-art genetic, imaging and computational approaches to determine the mechanisms of action of small RNAs during the development of movement in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The work builds on a recent discovery made in the Alonso Lab that specific microRNAs can affect specific behaviours and complex movements in Drosophila (Picao-Osorio et al. 2015 Science). The work will be developed within an ambitious research programme funded by a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award recently made to Prof. Claudio Alonso. The study will be fostered by the excellent scientific community of Sussex Neuroscience ranked within the Top-10 UK academic units within the fields of Neuroscience and Biological Science in the REF2014.

The position is full time. UK and EU residents can apply. Non UK/EU applicants must be able to fund the difference between UK and Overseas fees for the duration of the PhD. Scholarship includes a monthly stipend (£14,296) and full fee waiver.

Shortlisted candidates will have completed successful undergraduate or MSc/MRes studies with a good Honours degree (2.1 or equivalent). The ideal candidate will have a degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Physics or a related discipline. Additional experience in molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, imaging and/or programming would be an advantage.

To be considered for a place you will need to complete an online application which can be found at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/. Applications are now open for 2016 entry with starting date in September (please make sure you specify 2016 entry). The candidate must mention in the online application the name of the supervisor in ‘“suggested supervisor’” section. In the funding section mention sponsored or seeking funding. In ‘Award details’ mention School of Life Sciences funded studentship.

Documents required: A brief statement of interest in the project (up to 2 pages), full CV, two academic references, UG/PG transcripts and IELTS/TOEFL results if you are residing in the EU.

Enquiries about the application process should be addressed to Alice Caryer: a.caryer@sussex.ac.uk. For further information about the focus of the studentships, contact Prof Claudio Alonso: c.alonso@sussex.ac.uk

We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback