PhD Studentship (BBSRC-DTP) in Stem Cells and Development

We are looking for a PhD student to join the The Liverpool Development & Stem Cell Lab to study the role of NF-kappaB signalling in early mammalian development.

In this project, we will undertake a quantitative analysis of the NF-κB signalling in mESCs during pluripotency and differentiation, coupling bulk biochemistry with single-cell analysis using immunofluorescence, and fluorescently-tagged NF-κB proteins. We will target up-stream components of the NF-κB signalling cascade with small molecule inhibitors to disrupt the signalling and assess how it alters pluripotency, and differentiation. New fluorescent cell lines will be developed to allow us to visualise NF-κB dynamics and lineage-specific reporter-gene expression in single-cells over time. This will allow us to extract general principles underlying fate choices during early embryo development, and how the interplay between NF-κB, cell state, and chemical signalling underpins these decisions.

The supervisory team will provide training and support in all relevant techniques. The student will be based at University of Liverpool, which has developmental biology and cell imaging expertise, and will benefit from the close collaboration with Prof. Mike White (University of Manchester), an expert in single-cell NF-κB dynamics. The student will spend time in Newcastle University with Prof. Neil Perkins, where they will be trained in biochemical techniques to probe the role of post-translational regulation of NF-𝜅B proteins in developmental cell-fate decisions.

How To Apply

Applications should be made by emailing bbsrcdtp@liverpool.ac.uk with:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees);
• a covering letter – clearly stating your first choice project, and optionally 2^nd ranked project, as well as including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application; you may wish to indicate, for example, why you are particularly interested in the selected project(s) and at the selected University;
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates;
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required);
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A guide to the format required for the application documents is available at https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply. 

In addition to the above items, please email a completed copy of the Additional Details Form (as a Word document) to bbsrcdtp@liverpool.ac.uk. A blank copy of this form can be found at: https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply.

Informal enquiries may be made to david.turner@liverpool.ac.uk

The deadline for all applications is 12noon on Monday 9^th January 2023.