Mechanism of impaired delivery of phagocytosed photoreceptor tips to the lysosome in disease models University College London in United Kingdom

Institute of Ophthalmology 3-Year PhD Studentship

UCL Department / Division: UCL Institute of Ophthalmology , Faculty of Brain Sciences

Duration of Studentship: Full-time over 3 years from October 2025

PhD Title : Mechanism of impaired delivery of phagocytosed photoreceptor tips to the lysosome in disease models.

Supervisor(s) : Dr Emily Eden and Prof. Clare Futter

We are offering a full–time, 3 year PhD studentship to study phagosome maturation and degradation. Delivery of phagocytosed material to the cell's degradative compartment, the lysosome, is impaired when lysosomes are dysfunctional, leading to an accumulation of poorly degraded material which is associated with disease. Lysosomes and phagosomes can interact with other neighbouring compartments, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at membrane contact sites. ER contact sites may help regulate phagosome transport to and fusion with the lysosome.

This project aims to uncover novel approaches to increase phagosome-lysosomal fusion to prevent the accumulation of poorly digested phagocytosed material in retinal cells in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. The project will investigate the role of ER contact sites in phagosome-lysosome fusion and will involve a wide range of cell and molecular biology techniques. The student will also gain training and expertise in advanced light and electron microscopy.

Applicants should hold or expect to receive a minimum upper-second degree or equivalent in a life science degree. A Master’s degree or previous lab-based research experience is desirable.

Part of the Faculty of Brain Sciences , the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology is ranked the best place in the world to study ophthalmology (CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017). Our partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital represents the largest co-located site for eye research, education and care in the world.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Establish cell culture models
• Develop cellular tools for studying lysosome dysfunction
• Confocal and electron microscopy imaging and data analysis
• Develop a phagosome-lysosome fusion assay
• Screen a library for compounds affecting phagosome-lysosome fusion
• Work in collaboration with researchers within and outside of UCL
• Prepare progress reports
• Prepare presentations
• Travel for collaboration and other meetings or conferences
• Prepare manuscripts for submission to international peer-reviewed journals
• Contribute to the overall activities of the research team, department and be aware of UCL policies

Person Specification

• A good undergraduate degree (2:1 or above or the equivalent EU/overseas degree) and/or an MSc in a biomedical field
• Experience with biological model systems
• Experience of imaging techniques
• Excellent methodological skills and project planning
• High proficiency in written and spoken English is required
• Very strong work ethic, with an ability to think creatively and work both individually and within a team
• Self-driven with a desire to develop a career in bioscience

Commencement

The successful candidate is expected to start on 1 October 2025.

Funding Notes

This full-time studentship is funded for three years by Moorfields Eye Charity and is inclusive of UK home rate tuition fees, laboratory costs and an annual salary stipend starting at £21,448. International students: please see the details in the ‘Eligibility’ item below.

Eligibility

The full studentship (tuition fees and salary stipend) is eligible for candidates classified as UK students (please see ‘Tuition fee classification’ on this page: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/tuition-fees ). Applicants that incur overseas fees are welcome to apply and would be expected to cover the difference in UK home and overseas rates of tuition (see here for more details: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/fees-and-funding/pay-your-fees/fee-schedules/2024-2025/postgraduate-research-fees-2024-2025 ).

Enquiries

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Emily Eden at [email protected] .

Enquiries relating to the application process should be sent to the Research Degrees Manager at [email protected] .

How to apply

Please prepare a single PDF document in the following order:

• A covering letter outlining motivation, interest, and suitability for this project
• CV / resume
• Contact details for two academic referees

Attach to an email with the reference EEMEC25 in the subject line and send to the Research Degrees Manager at [email protected] by the deadline stated below. We ask that applicants follow these instructions carefully since deviation from them may invalidate your application . Any details specified in the body of email messages will not form part of the application.

Application deadline: 23:59 British Summer Time (BST), Friday 18th April 2025.

Proposed interview date: Week beginning 28th April 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly with further details of interview times.