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Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

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Funded PhD in Target Site Blockers for Rare Cystic Fibrosis Mutations Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in Ireland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Cell Biology

Funding

Funded PhD project with industry funding from Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Student stipend is 25k per year. Tenure is 2 years full-time MSc Research.

Deadline

Sep 16, 2026

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Country

Ireland

University

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

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Keywords

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Biology
Respiratory Medicine
Medical Science
Genetic
Rna Therapeutics

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About this position

Funded PhD project at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences) in Dublin, Ireland, focused on cystic fibrosis, CFTR, microRNAs, RNA therapeutics, and translational biomedical research.

The project, supervised by Dr Chiara De Santi and Dr Petra Bencurova, explores Target Site Blockers (TSBs) as a novel therapeutic strategy for rare cystic fibrosis mutations. The student will investigate whether TSBs can increase CFTR protein expression and improve CFTR function in advanced human cellular models, including gene-edited airway epithelial cells and iPSC-derived airway organoids.

Research activities include characterising CFTR-regulating microRNAs, testing combinations of TSBs with approved and experimental CF therapies, and evaluating effects on protein expression and function using cell culture, organoid models, gene expression analysis, microscopy, protein analysis, and functional assays.

Eligibility highlights: a lower second class (2.2) honours degree or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cellular Biology, Physiology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline. For applicants whose first language is not English, IELTS 6.5-7.0 or equivalent is required. Desirable experience includes mammalian cell culture, gene expression analysis, western blotting, microscopy, and a strong interest in experimental laboratory research.

Funding: industry-funded by Vertex Pharmaceuticals with a student stipend of 25k per year. Duration is 2 years full-time MSc Research. Application deadline is 16 September 2026, with shortlisting on 18 September 2026 and interviews from 28 September to 2 October 2026 (virtual interviews available). Planned start date is 1 January 2027.

Funding details

Funded PhD project with industry funding from Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Student stipend is 25k per year. Tenure is 2 years full-time MSc Research.

What's required

Applicants need at least a lower second class (2.2) honours degree or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cellular Biology, Physiology, Biotechnology or a similar field. For non-native English speakers, IELTS 6.5-7.0 or equivalent is required. Desirable experience includes molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, mammalian cell culture, gene expression analysis, western blotting, microscopy, and a strong interest in experimental laboratory research, plus good interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills.

How to apply

Apply online using the project application form linked in the post. Complete the form in full and submit it by 16 September 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for virtual interviews, and successful applicants may later be asked for CV, transcripts, and references.

More information can be found here

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