Scientia PhD Scholarship Project: Investigating the biogenesis and function of circular RNAs in the brain
Job No:
G29
Location:
Darlinghurst, Sydney
Scientia PhD Scholarship Project:
Investigating the biogenesis and function of circular RNAs in the brain
Supervisors
Robert Weatheritt, Irina Voineagu, Antony Cooper
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of RNA molecules formed by back-splicing of exon-exon junctions. A distinguishing property of circRNAs is their enrichment in the nervous system relative to other tissues with most well-expressed circRNA present in mouse also identified in human samples. Furthermore, circRNAs are up-regulated upon neuronal differentiation and depolarization with knockdown of an individual circRNA in mice showing sensorimotor defects. Altogether this suggests that circRNA play an important role in the brain. What mechanisms mediate the nervous system specificity of circRNA expression? And once circRNAs are formed, what is their regulatory role?
IDEAL CANDIDATE
This project involves a combination of cutting-edge genomics methods and molecular neurobiology approaches, as well as statistical analyses. It would be suitable for a candidate with a background in bioinformatics and/or molecular biology with a strong interest in neuroscience and RNA biology. The ideal candidate will have experience in basic molecular biology techniques (molecular cloning, PCR, qRT-PCR), microscopy, cell culture, and either experience in bioinformatics or interest in acquiring bioinformatics skills.
Contact Robert Weatheritt directly to express your interest-- BEFORE July 9th 5pm
r.weatheritt@garvan.org.au
Key information from UNSW
https://www.scientia.unsw.edu.au/scientia-phd-scholarships
Apply for this specific project via UNSW - https://www.scientia.unsw.edu.au/scientia-phd-scholarships/investigating-biogenesis-and-function-circular-rnas-brain
The UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme is part of our dedication to harnessing our cutting-edge research to solve complex problems and improve the lives of people in local and global communities. Scientia scholars will have a strong commitment to making a difference in the world with demonstrated potential for contributing to the social engagement and/or global impact pillars of the UNSW 2025 Strategy. The Scientia Scheme is targeted in that applicants will apply to a specific research area with an identified supervisory team and application is by nomination.
- Work on high quality research projects with the best supervisory teams in world class environments
- $40K a year stipend for four years
- Tuition fees covered for the full 4 year period
- Coaching and mentoring will form a critical part of your highly personalised leadership development plan
- Up to $10k each year to build your career and support your international research collaborations
- At least 5 of these scholarships will be reserved for Indigenous research candidates.