PhD Studentship to Study the ALL-associated Robertsonian Translocation

Funding for the Executive Dean’s PhD Studentship in the Development of a cellular model of rob(15;21) translocation for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

The team of Prof Vagnarelli, Dr Tosi and Prof Sala at Brunel University London is offering a fully funded PhD studentship to develop a cellular model of Robertsonian chromosome translocation (15;21) to study the evolution of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Children who are born with a constitutive balanced Robertsonian translocation rob(15;21) are a high-risk category for developing ALL with poor prognosis and low treatment success rate. This studentship will address the basis for this predisposition and design targeted treatments using state-of-the art methodologies.

Based in and funded by the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, this studentship offers a full-time annual London rate stipend estimated at £20,551 plus Home/EU tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months.

The Department of Life Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award and is committed to equality of opportunity and advancing women’s careers.

The start date will be 1^st October 2023.

Overview

Due to the lack of models to investigate the aetiology of ALL in children carrying the Robertsonian chromosome rob(15;21), this studentship generate the first human cellular system where the evolution of the translocation can be studied and potential drug treatment tested. During this PhD the student will acquire expertise in CRISP-Cas9 genome editing, high resolution microscopy, live cell imaging and transcription profiling.

The successful candidate will be supervised by an expert interdisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians who will provide full training for the research.

For informal discussions, please contact Prof Paola Vagnarelli on Paola.Vagnarelli@Brunel.ac.uk (www.vagnarellilab.org)

Eligibility

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in biosciences or a related field. A Masters qualification in a relevant area is desirable but not essential. Previous Experience in cell biology, molecular biology and mammalian cell culture are desirable criteria. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section).

How to Apply

If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk by 7 June 2023.

• An up-to-date CV.
• A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement describing why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).
• One example of your academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from a dissertation).
• A summary of your teaching experience or your willingness to support teaching activities.
• Names and contact details for two academic referees.
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview week commencing 3^rd July 2023.

For further information about how to apply, please contact the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Postgraduate Programmes Office on chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk.

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