Information about available funded PhD Positions The identification of novel metabolic pathways regulating haematopoietic stem cell self-renewalDr Stefano Comazzetto (The University of Edinburgh)The establishment of novel human hepatocellular carcinoma modelsProf Keisuke Kaji (The University of Edinburgh)Application deadline has passed - EASTBIO (College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine) Identification of novel metabolic pathways regulating haematopoietic stem cell self-renewalDr. Stefano Comazzetto (University of Edinburgh) Application deadline has passed - EASTBIO (College of Science and Engineering) Chimeric gastruloids for modelling the genetic and metabolic basis for developmental defectsProf Valerie Wilson (University of Edinburgh) Application deadline has passed - EASTBIO (College of Science and Engineering) Role Of Mechanosensing In The Development Of Haematopoietic Stem Cells Prof Alexander Medvinsky (University of Edinburgh) Application deadline has passed - EASTBIO (College of Science and Engineering) Decoding signalling crosstalks using microfluidics and engineered human pluripotent stem cellsDr Guillaume Blin (The University of Edinburgh)Application deadline has passed - EASTBIO (College of Science and Engineering) Can organoids model thymus aging and regeneration?Prof Clare Blackburn (The University of Edinburgh)Application deadline has passed - Precision Medicine Project Developing a novel catalytic uncaging drug delivery system to deliver a focal therapy for post-radiotherapy tissue regenerationDr Elaine Emmerson (The University of Edinburgh)Application deadline has passed - Precision Medicine Project Mathematical modeling of pancreatic islet behaviour for the improvement of islet transplants in Type 1 DiabetesDr Linus Schumacher (The University of Edinburgh)Application deadline has passed - Precision Medicine Project Using synthetic biology and quantitative analysis to understand differences in tolerance to tumorogeneic mutationsProf Sally Lowell (The University of Edinburgh)The identification of novel metabolic pathways regulating haematopoietic stem cell self-renewalApplications accepted up to Thursday 5 June 2025Supervisor(s): Dr Stefano Comazzetto (The University of Edinburgh)BackgroundHaematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) sustain life-long blood production necessary for life. How metabolism regulates the self-renewal and function of HSCs remains poorly understood, due to the limited number of stem cells present in vivo. The discovery of novel metabolic regulators of HSC function is vital to enhance recovery after haematopoietic stress.The Comazzetto laboratory has established a novel culture system to expand HSCs with physiological levels of metabolites as found in their native microenvironment. We aim to leverage this innovative physiological culture system to assess the metabolome and proteome of HSCs and non-self-renewing progenitors. Together with Dr. Fidanza, we will integrate these datasets to identify metabolic pathways that are more or less active in HSCs. In collaboration with Prof. Ottersbach, we will test the functional role of the shortlisted metabolic pathways on HSC self-renewal in culture after genetic and pharmacological inhibition. This will hopefully reveal important metabolic regulators of HSC self-renewal and function that can potentially promote blood recovery after stress.TrainingThe project will be performed under supervision of Dr. Stefano Comazzetto (primary supervisor), Dr. Antonella Fidanza (co-supervisor) and Prof. Katrin Ottersbach (co-supervisor).You will gain training in molecular biology, stem cell cultures, flow cytometry, metabolomic/proteomic, and computational analysis, and have access to world-leading facilities.Apply NowVisit FindaPhD for more informationThe deadline for 25/26 applications is Thursday 5 June 2025.Please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Marieke Hoeve, IRR Head of Postgraduate Programmes (m.hoeve@ed.ac.uk)Two reference letters should be sent to the same address by Friday 6th June, 12noon.The establishment of novel human hepatocellular carcinoma modelsApplications accepted up to Wednesday 4 June 2025Supervisor(s): Prof Keisuke Kaji, (The University of Edinburgh) Prof Tom Bird (The University of Edinburgh), Prof Stephanie Ma (The University of Hong Kong)BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by high mortality rates and limited effective treatment options. Developing accurate and versatile human HCC models is essential for understanding disease mechanisms, identifying early diagnostic markers, and testing new therapies.The Kaji lab has generated precursors of chemically expanded hepatocytes (pre-cHep) by reprogramming mature hepatocytes into a highly proliferative state under specialized culture conditions. Pre-cHep can be expanded more than a million-fold in vitro while retaining the capacity for re-differentiation and in vivo liver repopulation.By harnessing pre-cHep technology we aim to develop novel in vitro and in vivo human HCC models. We will introduce genetic alterations that have been shown in the Bird lab to phenocopy distinct human HCC subtypes in mouse models. We will assess whether these engineered pre-cHep lines reproduce the transcriptomic and histopathological features of HCC subtypes, both in vitro and after transplantation into immunocompromised mice, in collaboration with HCC organoid expert Prof Ma. This will provide a powerful platform for HCC research and drug discovery.TrainingThe project will be performed under supervision of Prof Keisuke Kaji (primary supervisor) and Prof Tom Bird (co-supervisor), in collaboration with Prof Stephanie Ma (University of Hong Kong).You will gain training in molecular biology and cellular engineering, including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic manipulations, flow cytometry, and transcriptomics analysis, and have access to world-class facilities.Apply NowVisit FindaPhD for more informationThe deadline for 25/26 applications is Wednesday 4 June 2025.Please send your CV and cover letter to Dr Marieke Hoeve, IRR Head of Postgraduate Programmes (m.hoeve@ed.ac.uk)Two reference letters should be sent to the same address by Friday 6th June, 12noon.Document HTML MSc By Research: Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair Programme Our MSc by Research in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair is a one-year, full-time, on-campus Masters programme structured around two laboratory-based research projects and a research proposal writing component. The programme is based at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR), a purpose-built research environment at the heart of Edinburgh BioQuarter, with a track record in training over 180 postgraduate students. This MSc by Research is designed to prepare you for a research career in academia or industry, whether you have recently completed an undergraduate degree or are a professional who wants to pursue a career in research. You will gain valuable transferable skills that will be beneficial in a wide range of professions. MSc By Research: Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair website PhD Opportunities PhD Students If you are looking to join CRM as a PhD student, keep an eye on the FindaPhD website, where all studentships will be advertised. Search for studendships on FindaPhD.com Postdoctoral Research To find a postdoc position, refer to the University of Edinburgh job search page, where any postdoc/PDRA posts will be advertised. Search jobs Self Funded Applicants We encourage inquiries and applications from self-funded basic and clinical scientists and from candidates who intend to apply for external funding all year round. Instructions on how to apply as a self funded student Studentships can include: Stipend for 3 or 4 years Tuition Fees Research Training Costs Conference Travel Allowance Please contact relevant principal investigators informally to discuss potential projects and visit our funding opportunities page. Information and contacts for principal investigators PhD funding and finance Contact us for more information This article was published on 2024-02-26
HTML MSc By Research: Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair Programme Our MSc by Research in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair is a one-year, full-time, on-campus Masters programme structured around two laboratory-based research projects and a research proposal writing component. The programme is based at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR), a purpose-built research environment at the heart of Edinburgh BioQuarter, with a track record in training over 180 postgraduate students. This MSc by Research is designed to prepare you for a research career in academia or industry, whether you have recently completed an undergraduate degree or are a professional who wants to pursue a career in research. You will gain valuable transferable skills that will be beneficial in a wide range of professions. MSc By Research: Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair website PhD Opportunities PhD Students If you are looking to join CRM as a PhD student, keep an eye on the FindaPhD website, where all studentships will be advertised. Search for studendships on FindaPhD.com Postdoctoral Research To find a postdoc position, refer to the University of Edinburgh job search page, where any postdoc/PDRA posts will be advertised. Search jobs Self Funded Applicants We encourage inquiries and applications from self-funded basic and clinical scientists and from candidates who intend to apply for external funding all year round. Instructions on how to apply as a self funded student Studentships can include: Stipend for 3 or 4 years Tuition Fees Research Training Costs Conference Travel Allowance Please contact relevant principal investigators informally to discuss potential projects and visit our funding opportunities page. Information and contacts for principal investigators PhD funding and finance Contact us for more information
