University of Sussex - PhD Genome Stability

Life Sciences PhD Genome Stability: Novel molecular mechanisms and therapeutic avenues in DNA damage-induced neurological disease (2022)

What you get

This School-funded position covers Home tuition fees and a stipend at standard UKRI rates. Applicants with overseas fee status will need to fund the difference between Home and International tuition fees.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

Novel molecular mechanisms and therapeutic avenues in DNA damage-induced neurological disease.

Genetic defects in the repair of DNA single-strand breaks result in human hereditary diseases that span a spectrum of neuropathology from progressive neurodegeneration in the mildest diseases to neurodevelopmental defects and seizures in the most severe. Recently, we identified a novel molecular mechanism that underpins such diseases, in which ‘programmed’ DNA breakage in gene enhancers and/or hyperactivity of the SSB sensor protein PARP1 disrupts the expression of genes critical for normal neural function. This project will extend and exploit these and other exciting recent discoveries using a combination of molecular, cellular, and neurophysiological techniques that include CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in human cells, iPSC-derived human neurons, and ex vivo/in vivo mouse models of DNA break-induced synaptic dysfunction.

Eligibility

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in Cell and Molecular Biology/neuroscience. Eligible applicants will hold a 2:1 BSc or above in a relevant subject. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any section.

Deadline

How to apply

Please submit a formal application using our online system at www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply attaching a CV, degree transcripts and certificates, statement of interest and two academic references.

On the application system select Programme of Study – Biomedical Science -Genome Stability PhD. Please ensure you state the project title under funding and include the proposed supervisor’s name where required.

Contact us

For enquiries about the application process, contact Emma Chorley: lifesci-rec@sussex.ac.uk

For enquiries about the project, contact supervisor: k.w.caldecott@sussex.ac.uk