Reference Code: HG049

Details:

Name of the Supervisors
Professor D Elliott, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University
Professor M Herbert, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University

Sponsor
This studentship is sponsored by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) as part of the Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP).

Duration of the Award
Four years (MRes Biosciences followed by a three-year PhD).

Project Description
Proteins which bind to RNA play an important role in normal biology, and also in diseases like cancer. One job for these proteins is to tell the cell which sequences are exons (and so included in mRNAs), and which are introns.

This project will examine the functions of the RNA binding protein Tra2beta. The student will use a combination of molecular biology and cell biology to find RNAs which are bound and regulated by Tra2beta. The hypothesis is that some of these RNA sequences will be critical exons which are regulated during development. The project will work out how these exons are regulated, why this is important, and what the mechanism of regulation is. In particular, we will focus on male germ cell development, since this is one of the most active pathways which operate in the adult. The main areas of research in the Elliott group are to do with RNA splicing research in normal development, prostate cancer and breast cancer. We are currently funded by the BBSRC and Prostate Cancer UK.

Value of the Award and Eligibility
Depending on how you meet the BBSRC’s eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to a full or a partial award. A full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,726 (2013-14). A partial award covers fees at the UK/EU rate only.

Person Specification
Candidates should have or expect to achieve a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree in a relevant science subject.

How to Apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form selecting ‘Master of Research/Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) – Human Genetics’  as the programme of study. Once you have selected the programme, please insert the studentship/partnership reference number HG049. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) and a covering letter, CV and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications must be attached. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number HG049 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

You should also send your covering letter and CV to:

Professor David Elliott
Institute of Genetic Medicine
Newcastle University Newcastle NE1 3BZ.
E-mail: david.elliott@ncl.ac.uk

Closing Date for Applications
Prompt application is advised as this post is only available until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Further Information
For further information, please contact:
Professor David Elliott
E-mail: david.elliott@ncl.ac.uk

For more information and to submit an application, please use the ‘Apply’ button below.