Wales, UK: PhD Studentship in the Genetics and Epidemiology of Myopia, Cardiff University, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences

Job Title: PhD Studentship in the Genetics and Epidemiology of Myopia
Employer: Cardiff University, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences

Location: Cardiff, Wales United Kingdom CF24 4LU
Date: Jun 14, 2007

Job Description
Description: Cardiff University, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences
PhD Studentship in the Genetics and Epidemiology of Myopia

Genetic and environmental risk factors for myopia in the ALSPAC study cohort
Applications are invited for this 3-year National Eye Research Centre (NERC) funded PhD Studentship at Cardiff School of Optometry and Vision Sciences.

Project summary: Myopia affects more than 1 in 4 people, and is an important risk factor for eye conditions such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. However, little is known about what causes some children to become myopia but not others. By analysing subjects participating in a large, British birth cohort (the ALSPAC study) that has been running since 1991, this project will assess the role of a range of genetic and environmental risk factors on the development of myopia during childhood. The project is an exciting new collaboration between researchers at Cardiff University and Bristol University, who have complimentary expertise in the genetics and epidemiology of myopia.

The project will be supervised by Dr Jez Guggenheim (Cardiff University) and Dr Cathy Williams (University of Bristol). Both the School of Optometry & Vision Sciences at Cardiff University and the ALSPAC department at Bristol University scored 5*A in the last RAE. The School of Optometry & Vision Sciences recently moved to a state-of-the art research facility in which the project will be based.

Funding and Eligibility: This studentship will include UK/EU fees and a maintenance stipend at the UK Research Council rate (£12,600 for 2007/8). Candidates should be EU/UK citizens, have at least an upper second class honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. optometry, orthoptics, medicine, biomedical science or genetics) and have good communication skills.

How to Apply: Applicants should complete and submit a standard application for postgraduate study (to include application/equality monitoring form and two references). The relevant application documents can be downloaded and printed from http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgapply Applicants should state on the application form that they wish to be considered for this studentship, quoting the project title.

Further information: For informal enquiries, please contact:
Dr Jez Guggenheim
Email: Guggenheim@cardiff.ac.uk

For further information on the Cardiff School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, please see our website at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/optom

Closing date for applications: 6th July 2007.