Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09461

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

See advert text

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

26-Oct-2025

About us

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A 3-year PhD Studentship in exploring novel genetic therapy for a rare genetic cardiomyopathy funded by a philanthropic donor is available within the Institute of Child Health in collaboration with the Institute of Cardiovascular Science and Institute of Neurology. The studentship will commence from 1st February 2026 onwards, under the supervision of Professor Haiyan Zhou and Professor Juan Kaski.

About the role

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Project Title

Developing experimental genetic therapy for Senger syndrome

Background

Senger syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes abnormal thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - HCM), muscle weakness (skeletal myopathy) and eye cataracts. It is caused by changes in the AGK gene, a protein important for mitochondrial function, inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

At UCL/Great Ormond Street Hospital we are privileged to care for a boy with Senger syndrome with the severe infantile form. We have considered different gene-targeted treatment options for this child and will test them in this research project.

Hypothesis/Aims

1. Establish patient-derived iPSC-differentiated cardiomyocyte line



2. Testing different experimental therapy strategies, on AGK gene therapy or RNA therapy, in cellular model

About you

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Applicants should have a Master's degree (or equivalent work experience) in a relevant discipline or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.



The candidate is expected to have knowledge and experience in cell biology and molecular biology. Experience in iPSC and cardiomyocyte culture and characterization are highly desirable.



UCL offers may be conditional, subject to meeting Child Health MPhil/PhD entry requirements, including English Language requirements, which must be met before an Unconditional offer can be made.

What we offer

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This studentship provides a starting stipend of 22,780 per annum and covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate (6,215).



Non-UK students can apply but if they are not eligible for UK/Home fees status, will have to personally fund the difference between the UK (Home) rate and the Overseas rate.




Funding is not provided for paid parental and medical leave. Unpaid interruptions can be requested and may be supported.

How to apply

Please do not click the 'Apply Now' button next to the advert.



Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Prof Haiyan Zhou (Haiyan.zhou@ucl.ac.uk) or Prof Juan Kaski (j.kaski@ucl.ac.uk )



To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two professional referees as well as a 1 sided A4 cover letter to Prof Haiyan Zhou (Haiyan.zhou@ucl.ac.uk)



Closing date for applications: 26th October 2025



Interview: Week commencing 10th November 2025



Applications that are submitted without following the correct application process will not be considered. The successful applicant will then be required to apply to and register on the Child Health research degree to take up the studentship.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.