Sunday, November 25, 2007

PhD Studentship in Opthalmology - University College, London

Pressure damage to the optic nerve head in glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness and is currently incurable. Recent experimental work has demonstrated that an adult stem cell, the olfactory ensheathing cell, can structurally and functionally repair spinal cord tract and root injuries, and that these cells also stimulate the regeneration of optic nerve fibres. This PhD project will investigate transferring the application of these cells to optic nerve damage. The student will be supervised by Professor P T Khaw (UCL Institute of Ophthalmology) and Professor G Raisman (UCL Institute of Neurology).

Applicants should have a first class honours degree or equivalent in a related subject. The studentship can only be awarded to students from India, China, and the developing world countries, as defined by the OECD (see www.rcuk.ac.uk/hodgkin/eligibility.htm for details of eligible countries).

This studentship is available immediately and offers a stipend of £14,600 plus fees at the overseas student rate. This Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award is partly funded by the Medical Research Council and the charity Fight for Sight.

Interest applicants may get further information from j.molyneux@ucl.ac.ukand an application form is available at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate-study/application-admission.

*UCL is an equal opportunities employer.*

Closing Date: 7th December.