PhD Studentship: Folate supplementation for neuroprotection in glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common neurodegenerative disease which can result in irreversible blindness. While current treatments can slow the progression of vision loss in many patients, as many as 40% will continue to blindness over their lifetime, underscoring the importance of developing new neuroprotective treatments. The Tribble lab recently identified early changes to one-carbon metabolism in glaucoma, which can be treated with a combination of vitamins related to this pathway, which is currently being tested in clinical trial. In particular, our data point to the importance of folate for neuronal health, but this component may face additional translational boundaries in humans which will require refinement of the treatment.

The Tribble and Eva labs are seeking to recruit a PhD student to King’s College London, Wolfson SPaRC (Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre). In this PhD project, the successful candidate will confirm underlying mechanism of action of folate in the eye and in the cells affected in glaucoma, compare different folate supplements to overcome hurdles to retinal delivery, and determine the impact of common genetic variants in folate metabolism on these effects. The outcome of this research will be vital in maximising the potential clinical benefit of our treatment, and begin to introduce a personalised medicine approach to neuroprotection in glaucoma.

We are looking for a motivated student with a strong interest in neuroscience, vision, or neuroprotective medicine. The project will suit someone who will enjoy a balance of molecular benchwork, experimental pre-clinical models, -omics techniques, and who is keen to contribute to translational science with real clinical potential.

Essential criteria

• Applicants should have (or be expected to obtain) a bachelor’s degree with 2:1 honours. A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a master’s with Merit. This should be in neuroscience, optometry, or related subject area.
• Experience working in a research/industry lab environment (>6 months).
• Excellent planning and organisational skills including the ability to work to and meet firm deadlines.
• Commitment to high quality research and patient impact.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work under own initiative and to recognise when to seek guidance from others.

Desirable criteria

• A Home Office Personal Licence.
• Experience of histology, immunolabelling and microscopy.
• Experience of cell culture (continuous and/or primary).
• Experience of basic molecular biology techniques (WB, qPCR etc.).
• Experience with bioinformatics.
• Experience with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, please select (Wolfson Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre (SPaRC)) Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time). Only home students are eligible. The selected candidate will be funded by a Glaucoma UK studentship which is fully funded for three years full time. This includes home tuition fees.