Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Stem-cell modelling of neuro-developmental disorders and epilepsy

Application(s) are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time funded PhD scholarship(s) starting in [September or October 2024] affiliated to the School of Medicine at the University of Galway.

University of Galway

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Detailed Project Description

Early-onset genetic neurodevelopmental disorders are severe disorders often characterised by developmental delay, epilepsy, autism, physical and learning disability affecting children and adults. There is no cure due to the inaccessibly of human brain for disease modelling. This advert is for a full-time PhD student to work on a project largely developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models of developmental delay and epilepsy from human patients. It will apply a range of established and novel techniques including iPSC generation, neuronal induction, neuronal characterisation and phenotyping, gene editing and therapeutics (including RNA therapies).

The project is funded by the SFI-frontiers for the future programme (FFP) in conjunction with the Child Health Foundation (CHF), Ireland. The project is highly collaborative within University of Galway and internationally. The main sites is at the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), Biosciences and the Human Biology Building (HBB), University of Galway. Supervision with Prof. Nicholas Allen, Prof. Sanbing Shen, Dr. Kasia Whysall and Dr. Leo Quinlan (School of Medicine).

Living allowance (Stipend): €22,000 per annum

University fees: covered

Start date: Sept-October 2024

Academic Entry Requirements: Honours BSc, MSc desirable

To Apply for the Scholarship: Enquiries and applications to include cover letter and CV to:

Professor Nicholas Allen nicholas.m.allen@universityofgalway.ie

(academic references will be required if shortlisted)

Contact Name: Prof. Nicholas Allen

Contact Email: nicholas.m.allen@universityofgalway.ie

Application Deadline: 12/08/2024 and time 09:00AM

Primary Supervisor name: Prof. Nicholas Allen