We are currently recruiting 1 PhD student to the BREATH Project, commencing October 1st, 2017. 

 

‘BREATH’ (Border and Regions Airways Training Hub) PhD Studentships

 

BREATH is a partnership between the Smooth Muscle Research Centre (Dundalk Institute of Technology; DkIT), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), funded under the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme. It will establish a world-class cluster of researchers, involving collaborations between scientists and clinicians, that will help address the causes, treatment and prevention of Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease (COPD).

 Applications are invited for a fully funded, four year Ph.D studentship based in the Smooth Muscle Research Centre (DkIT) commencing October 2017. The successful candidate will join a team of 16 PhD students, whose research is also focused on COPD. This studentship includes provision of postgraduate fees, running costs, a generous travel and training allowance and an annual stipend of €18,500.

This studentship will focus on the role of ion channels and signaling pathways underlying airway smooth muscle contraction in health and disease and will involve collaborations with QUB & UWS to interact with clinicians, scientists and industry. Training will be provided in electrophysiology, Ca²⁺ imaging, molecular biology and a range of biochemical techniques. Further opportunities for training will be provided across a wide range of transferable skills including business, leadership, entrepreneurism and personal effectiveness. Students will also be expected to participate in a school outreach programme on the importance of Lung Health.

Eligibility: Candidates should hold, or expect to hold a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in physiology, biomedical science, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacy or another appropriate biological science subject. Excellent oral and written communication skills are also required, along with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. If not a native English speaker, provide evidence  of IELT English proficiency, or equivalent, at level 6.5 or above. 

How to Apply:  Applications will only be accepted using the official application form, which can be obtained below. This should be completed and emailed to [email protected].  

Applications should also include:

1.     1. Copy of degree(s) certificates,

2.     2. Course transcripts (with official English translation if applicable),

3.     3. Evidence of English proficiency test result (if applicable).

Documents should be sent as PDFs. Please do not send separate CVs.

For further information on the programme please email: Dr Gerard Sergeant

Recruitment will be a transparent and merit-based process in accordance with the 40 principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers.

 

Closing Date:           4 pm, Friday 7^th July 2017

 

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by 18^th July 2017 to arrange an interview.

 

Interviews will be held on 26^th July 2017