Full time PhD studentship: Investigating the potential role of a human long non-coding RNA with ‘accelerated evolution’ in neurodevelopment, maternal adversity and cancer

Supervisory team: Dr Francesco Crea and Dr Christopher Heath

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a recently discovered group of molecules with a wide range of cellular functions so far identified. This project focuses on the in-depth characterization of two lncRNAs encoded by a genomic locus found to have undergone ‘accelerated evolution’ in the human lineage. These lncRNAs may have roles in both neurodevelopment and neuro-oncology and evaluating the underlying mechanisms will be a key element of this project. Further project details can be found at http://www.open.ac.uk/science/life-health-chemical-sciences/phd-studentships-vacancies

Further information

This three-year research studentship is funded by the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at The Open University and provides a stipend of £14,777 per year. All academic fees (at UK/EU level) are covered. The student would be required to live in the UK and within commuting distance of The Open University in Milton Keynes.

Applicants will be expected to hold a degree (2:1 classification or higher) in biological sciences, molecular biology, neuroscience or other relevant subject.

Informal enquiries relating to the project should be directed to Dr. Francesco Crea (francesco.crea@open.ac.uk) or Dr. Christopher Heath (christopher.heath@open.ac.uk