Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches to understand and treat eye disease

Description

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world, with the number of people affected predicted to increase to 112 million by 2040. Age and increase in intra ocular pressure (IOP) are leading risk factors in the pathogenesis of the disease. The eye maintains its shape and pressure by a constant production and outflow of the transparent fluid aqueous humour (AH) which gives the eye its IOP. We are developing novel approaches to understand the pathobiology of AH outflow from the eye. This includes novel in vitro models (cell and tissue culture, organ on a chip) to highlight cell specific therapeutic targets alongside novel surgical procedures.

The project brings together a multi-disciplinary supervisory team with expertise in ocular cell and stem cell biology; biomedical engineering; tissue engineering and regenerative medicine; ophthalmology in the development and manufacture of innovative biomaterials for application in regenerative medicines. As such the student will be exposed a wide variety of techniques from training in cell and stem cell biology (tissue culture, mRNA & protein assays, confocal & live cell imaging and in vitro & ex-vivo functional analysis), ex vivo surgical assessments, all of which will be carried out at the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool. We are seeking driven individuals who want to join our diverse team to work towards our understanding and treatment of glaucoma. Your research will deliver opportunities to publish in high quality academic journals and you will present your work at leading international conferences.  We believe innovation thrives in an inclusive and supportive environment and all training, mentorship support and encouragement are given throughout the PhD project. Liverpool is continually voted one of the friendliest cities in the UK with a world facing outlook and our research is dedicated addressing the challenges to live well and age well by reducing the burden of vision loss.

In addition to world class scientific training, you will also engage with the clinical teams, patient groups, members of the public promoting awareness and understanding of the clinical impact and societal context of your research. You will acquire a breadth of transferable skills relevant to the pursuit of careers in academia, industry and the wider economy.

• Applications should be made to project supervisors in the first instance via CV and cover letter. This is for all applications. Only when a candidate has been selected following interview will a formal online application be required.

We accept applications from a wide array of disciplines of science and engineering at degree level, but particularly welcome applications from those with a degree in biology, medicine or health related disciplines. Applications accepted all year round.