University of East Anglia â School of Biological Sciences (UEA)
Deadline:
29 November 2013. Available from 1 October 2014.Â
Supervisor:
Dr Mette Mogensen
M.Mogensen@uea.ac.ukÂ
The Project:
Polarisation and differentiation of columnar epithelial cells is critical for normal gut function and defects in polarisation lead to loss of gut barrier function, epithelial cell invasion and cancer. Importantly, polarised elongation of epithelial cells is dependent on microtubule reorganisation into apico-basal arrays.
However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for microtubule reorganisation remain to be determined. The aim of this PhD studentship is to study microtubule reorganisation during epithelial differentiation and gut morphogenesis and in particular to explore the role of the EB proteins and FGF signalling in this process using a combination of novel 3D in vitro culture models. GFP- and RNAi-technology and immuno-labelling in conjunction with high-resolution widefield fluorescence, confocal and multi-photon microscopy will be used to pursue these aims.
This study presents an exciting opportunity to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for microtubule reorganisation that underpins epithelial differentiation and tissue formation.
Entry Requirements:
2:1 or 2:2 plus Masters. English Language â IELTS 6.5 overall with 6 in each category.Â
Funding:
Due to funding restrictions funding for PhD studentships from BBSRC is available to successful candidates who meet the UK Research Council eligibility criteria including the 3-year UK residency requirements. These requirements are detailed in the BBSRC eligibility guidelines:
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/web/FILES/Guidelines/studentship_eligibility.pdf.
In most cases UK and EU nationals who have been ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the course are eligible for a full-award. Other EU nationals may qualify for a fees only award. All candidates should check to confirm their eligibility for funding.
The current stipend for 2013/14 is £13,726 per annum.
Making Your Application:
For further information and to apply, please visit the ‘How to Apply’ page on our website by clicking Apply.
Additional Information:
In keeping with the postgraduate training policy of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) all students recruited onto this programme will be required to undertake a three months internship during the second or third year of their study. The internship will offer exciting and invaluable experience of work in an area outside of research, and full support and advice will be provided by a professional team from the UEA.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) â a collaboration between the Norwich Biosciences Institutes and the University of East Anglia. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the Studentship Competition. The interview dates will be the 14th and 15th January 2014.