Role of Mitochondrial Membrane Contact Sites Within the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Institute of Ophthalmology 3-Year PhD Studentship

UCL Department / Division: UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Brain Sciences

Duration of Studentship: Full-time over 3 years, available to start from 1 May 2025

PhD Title: Role of Mitochondrial Membrane Contact Sites Within the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Supervisor(s): https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/31644-tom-burgoyne and https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/5486-emily-eden

We are offering a full–time, 3-year PhD studentship to research membrane contact sites between mitochondria and other organelles within retinal cells.

Mitochondria play a crucial role in the function of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and are essential for healthy vision. This project focuses on characterising different types of mitochondrial membrane interactions and how these change throughout the circadian rhythm of RPE cells. The findings will deepen our understanding of mitochondria’s role in the retina and how their dysfunction contributes to blinding diseases.

Applicants should hold or expect to receive a minimum upper–second degree or equivalent in a life science degree. A Master’s degree or previous lab–based research experience is desirable.

Part of the Faculty of Brain Sciences, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology is ranked the best place in the world to study ophthalmology (CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017). Our partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital represents the largest co-located site for eye research, education and care in the world.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Culture cell lines and primary cells
• Develop cellular tools using RPE cells
• Establish readouts of membrane contact sites
• Perform imaging by confocal and electron microscopy
• Work in collaboration with other researchers
• Prepare progress reports
• Prepare presentations
• Travel for collaboration and other meetings or conferences
• Prepare manuscripts for submission to international peer-reviewed journals
• Contribute to the overall activities of the research team, department and be aware of UCL policies

Person Specification

• A good undergraduate degree (2.1 or above or the equivalent EU/overseas degree) and/or an MSc in a biomedical field
• Experience with biological model systems
• Experience of imaging techniques
• Excellent methodological skills and project planning
• High proficiency in written and spoken English is required
• Very strong work ethic, with the ability to think creatively and work both individually and within a team
• Self-driven with a desire to develop a career in bioscience

Commencement

The successful candidate is expected to start on 1 May 2025.

Funding Notes

This full-time studentship is funded for three years by Moorfields Eye Charity and is inclusive of UK home rate tuition fees, laboratory costs and an annual salary stipend starting at £21,448. International students: please see the details in the ‘Eligibility’ item below.

 

Eligibility

The full studentship (tuition fees and salary stipend) is eligible for candidates classified as UK students (please see ‘Tuition fee classification’ on this page: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/tuition-fees). Applicants that incur overseas fees are welcome to apply and would be expected to cover the difference in UK home and overseas rates of tuition (see here for more details: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/fees-and-funding/pay-your-fees/fee-schedules/2024-2025/postgraduate-research-fees-2024-2025).

 

Enquiries

Enquiries relating to the application process should be sent to the Research Degrees Manager at ioo.pgr@ucl.ac.uk.

 

How to apply

Please prepare a single PDF document in the following order:

• A covering letter outlining motivation, interest, and suitability for this project
• CV / resume
• Contact details for two academic referees

Attach to an email with the reference TBMEC25 in the subject line and send to the Research Degrees Manager at ioo.pgr@ucl.ac.uk by the deadline stated below. We ask that applicants follow these instructions carefully since deviation from them may invalidate your application. Any details specified in the body of email messages will not form part of the application.

Application deadline: 23:59 British Summer Time (BST), Wednesday 9 April 2025.

Proposed interview date: Week beginning 14 April 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly with further details of interview times.