MSCA-DN PhD in lipid nanoparticle gene therapy for leukodystrophies (London, UK)

About your role

As a doctoral candidate, you will work across different stages of the preclinical research process. Your activities include:

• Testing the functionality of LNP-mRNA delivery systems in vitro.
• Analysing the biodistribution of delivery systems in the brain and peripheral tissues and investigating cellular tropism following different administration routes in mice.
• Conducting a preclinical study using the most promising LNP-mRNA delivery system and administration route in mouse models of leukodystrophies.
• Evaluating therapeutic efficacy using neuropathology, lifespan, locomotor and behavioural studies.
• Working with translational research supervisors and POLARIS partners to move promising approaches towards clinical application.
  About you
  We are looking for a candidate with a Master's degree in life sciences and relevant research experience. You bring the following:
• Experience with molecular technologies, neuroscience and in vivo mouse studies, gained through internships, thesis work or research projects.
• A strong interest in translational neuroscience, rare disease research and the development of genetic therapies.
• Experience with LNPs and animal models of neurological disease is an advantage.
• An accurate and reproducible approach to research, with strong attention to detail and the ability to plan and organise complex experimental work.
• Good analytical, communication and collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international environment. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential for this international research environment.Eligibility criteriaImportant, strict eligibility criteria according to MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE programs apply to applicants:
• You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• At the time of the application deadline, you must have a Master's degree and must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the contract start date.
• You will participate in the network-wide training programme of POLARIS, which includes (international) training activities and planned secondments with POLARIS partner organizations throughout the EU.
  Our offer
  
• A contract for a total of 3 years;
• Salary, mobility allowance and benefits according to the applicable MSCA Doctoral Network and host-organisation rules. More detailed information about the salary will follow; 
• Embedding in the international POLARIS doctoral training network;
• Access to network-wide training activities, secondments and transferable-skills development;
• A challenging and translational research project at the interface of in vivo neuroscience, rare disease biology and preclinical genetic therapy development;
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment;
• An open and supportive team culture with opportunities for scientific and professional development.