At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate novel therapies to repair optic nerves and restore vision.
- Company: Join a leading research team focused on glaucoma treatment.
- Benefits: Receive a UKRI-rated stipend and tuition funding for 3 years.
- Other info: Gain hands-on skills in advanced imaging and regenerative medicine.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the fight against blindness with cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: Degree in neuroscience or related field; cell culture experience required.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 21000 £ per year.
Glaucoma and other optic neuropathies are among the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. In the UK alone, more than one million people are living with glaucoma. Lowering elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the only proven treatment to slow disease progression. Although current therapies are effective at controlling IOP, many patients continue to lose vision despite well-controlled IOP, while others develop glaucoma despite having IOP within the normal range. The major unmet clinical challenge is that no existing treatment can repair damaged optic nerves or regenerate the axons from retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that transmit visual information from the eye to the brain.
This PhD project aims to address this challenge by identifying novel regenerative therapies capable of promoting optic nerve repair, rebuilding eye-to-brain connections, and ultimately contributing to vision restoration. Using state-of-the-art experimental techniques and clinically relevant disease models, you will investigate compounds targeting a specific signalling pathway to promote axon regeneration. Candidate compounds will be identified through computational screening and human-derived neuronal culture models, followed by validation in preclinical models of optic nerve injury and glaucoma.
During the project, you will:
- Screen a library of compounds for their ability to enhance regenerative growth in stem cell-derived neurons.
- Validate the regenerative potential in mouse models of optic nerve injury.
- Assess neuronal survival, neural connectivity, and visual function following treatment in experimental models of glaucoma.
This interdisciplinary project will provide comprehensive training in molecular and cell biology, regenerative medicine, disease modelling, and advanced imaging technologies. You will gain hands-on experience in human stem cell culture, super-resolution confocal microscopy, transcriptomic analysis, tissue clearing, and visual function assessment.
By integrating advanced in vitro and in vivo models, this PhD will equip you with a broad and highly transferable skill set for careers in academia, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in neuro-ophthalmology and regenerative medicine.
This project is funded by Glaucoma UK.
Supervisors: Dr Bennett Au, Dr Joaquin Prada and Dr Ayman Ibrahim
Entry requirements: Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information. Starting in October 2026. You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme. The successful candidate should hold a degree in neuroscience, cell biology, molecular biology, or a closely related discipline. Experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques is essential. Previous experience in animal handling would be advantageous but is not required.
Funding: UKRI-rated stipend, PhD tuition fee at UK/home rate. Funding is available for 3 years.
Application deadline: 2 August 2026
Enquiries: Contact Dr Bennett Au
Ref: PGR-2526-099
PhD Studentship: One stone, two birds: a new glaucoma treatment strategy to protect nerve cells[...] in Guildford employer: University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on impactful research, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities and resources to advance their careers. Located in a dynamic academic environment, the university not only supports meaningful contributions to cutting-edge research but also encourages a sense of community among its diverse workforce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: One stone, two birds: a new glaucoma treatment strategy to protect nerve cells[...] in Guildford
✨Get Your Foot in the Lab Door
Look for internship programmes specifically set up for life sciences or biotechnology students. Many companies, including University of Surrey, offer structured pathways for interns, so check their careers page or your university's career services to snag those early opportunities.
✨Connect with Researchers and Alumni
Tap into biotechnology-focused online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or local biotech meetups. Networking with seasoned professionals or alumni from your university can give you an inside track on internships that may not be widely advertised. A little conversation can go a long way!
✨Get Involved in Research Projects
If you haven’t already, volunteer for or participate in research projects at your university. This hands-on experience not only builds your CV but also helps you make connections with faculty who can recommend you or point you to internship opportunities at companies like University of Surrey.
✨Keep Your Application Needs in Mind
When you're ready to apply, make sure your online portfolio reflects relevant projects and any lab techniques you’re familiar with. Showcasing your understanding of biotechnology, particularly what relates to the work done at University of Surrey, can help you stand out from the heap of applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: One stone, two birds: a new glaucoma treatment strategy to protect nerve cells[...] in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a biotech internship, showcasing any relevant lab skills is crucial. If you've worked with lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or CRISPR, make sure these stand out in your CV. We want to see that you have hands-on experience and can contribute from day one.
Share Your Academic Projects:Don't forget to mention any academic projects related to biotechnology. If you've conducted research or completed projects that involved analysis or experimentation, highlight these in your cover letter. It shows us your practical understanding of biotech concepts and your motivation to learn more.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on your passion for biotechnology and your eagerness to learn. Use this space to explain why you want to intern with University of Surrey specifically and how this experience aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Include Relevant Coursework:Make sure to list any relevant coursework on your CV. Classes like Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Bioinformatics can really make you stand out. We want to see that you've got the foundational knowledge, as it helps us gauge how easily you'll adapt to our projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Surrey
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
As we're diving into the biotechnology world, it's essential to refresh your knowledge on commonly used lab techniques. Be prepared to discuss methods like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and CRISPR. They might even ask you to explain the principles behind them or how you've used them in your studies!
✨Show Your Passion for Bioscience
Internships are all about eagerness to learn and grow, so let your enthusiasm for biotechnology shine through! Share any relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer experiences that showcase your motivation and dedication to the field. This will show University of Surrey that you're not just looking for any gig, but you're genuinely excited about contributing to their research.
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Biotechnology often involves collaboration, so emphasising your ability to work in a team is crucial. Think about group projects or lab work where you collaborated with peers. Sharing these experiences will show University of Surrey that you're not only a great individual contributor but also a team player, ready to thrive in their collaborative environment.
