PhD Studentship - Investigating the Role of Eye Movement in Scleral Growth

DoS: Dr. Daniela Oehring (daniela.oehring@plymouth.ac.uk)

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Konstantin Glebov (konstantin.glebov@plymouth.ac.uk)

3^rd Supervisor: Dr Torsten Bossing (torsten.bossing@plymouth.ac.uk)

4^th Supervisor: Adam Kyte (adam.kyte@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a three-year full-time PhD studentship. The studentship is anticipated to start on 1^st January 2025.

Project Description

Are you fascinated by how our eyes work and eager to make a difference in the fight against vision problems? Join our research team and help develop a revolutionary model to understand the impact of eye movements on eye health, with a focus on myopia (nearsightedness).

The project:

• Design and validate an innovative in-vitro model to investigate the impact of mechanical forces on eye health and structure.
• Explore the fundamental relationship between eye movements, the growth of the sclera (the white part of the eye), and myopia development.
• Collaborate on investigating existing and novel drugs with the potential to shape improved myopia treatments.
• Work with porcine and human eye tissues to advance our understanding of cellular responses.

What we offer:

• Collaborate with leading experts in ocular biomechanics and cellular responses.
• Master advanced laboratory techniques, including cell culture, and work with a custom-designed mechanical rig.
• Make tangible contributions to a project with potential for patents and real-world impact.
• Join a research environment committed to ethical practices and the reduction of animal testing.

We're looking for:

• A highly motivated MSc graduate (or equivalent) in biology, biomedical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated interest in vision science, biomechanics, and/or cellular responses.
• Excellent laboratory skills, ideally with previous experience in cell culture.
• Strong analytical mindset and a passion for problem-solving.

Please Note: This project involves handling porcine and human eye tissues.

Let's change the future of vision research together – apply today!

If your first language is not English, you must meet the programme's minimum English requirements: IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for three years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £18,655 per annum (2024/25 rate). The studentship will only fully fund applicants eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants required to cover international fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates, approximately £13,244 per annum (2024/25 rate).

NB: The studentship is supported for three years of the four-year registration period. The fourth year is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ year.

If you wish to discuss this project informally, please contact daniela.oehring@plymouth.ac.uk.

To apply for this position, please click on the Apply button above.

Please clearly state the name of the studentship that you are applying for on the top of your personal statement.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our How to Apply for a Research Degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College.

The closing date for applications is 30^th September 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview on 14^th October 2024. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful on this occasion.

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