David Young

This PhD studentship at Newcastle University's Biosciences Institute offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the role of transcriptional enhancers in gene regulation and osteoarthritis. The project focuses on SOX9, a key transcription factor essential for cartilage development, skeletal growth, and adult joint maintenance. Enhancers—non-coding DNA elements—play a crucial role in fine-tuning SOX9 expression, and recent research has identified 16 previously unknown human SOX9 enhancers, some of which contain genetic variants linked to increased osteoarthritis susceptibility. As a PhD student, you will dissect the functions of these SOX9 enhancers in controlling cartilage gene expression. The research will employ integrated bioinformatics, CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic and epigenetic editing, transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling, qRT-PCR, western blotting, histology, and functional assays in both human monolayer and 3D cartilage cultures. You will also assess enhancer activity in response to mechanical loading and biochemical stimulation using cartilage cell lines, mesenchymal stem cells, and patient-derived chondrocytes. The project is supervised by Dr Louise Reynard and Prof David Young, and is based within Newcastle University's Faculty of Medical Sciences. You will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities and specialist training in genomics, bioinformatics, and regenerative medicine. Your research will advance fundamental understanding of cartilage biology, identify new targets for regenerative therapies, and contribute to the development of tissue-specific CRISPR strategies to correct age-related dysregulation in cartilage. The studentship covers 100% of home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend of £21,805 (2026-27 UKRI rate). International candidates are welcome to apply but must fund the difference between home and international tuition fees. The award is open to applicants with at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in biomedical sciences; an MRes or similar postgraduate qualification is advantageous. English language requirements are IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each sub-skill. Applications must be submitted via Newcastle University's Application Portal by May 18, 2026. Please select 'Postgraduate Research', 'Full Time', year of entry '2026', and course code '8420F'. Choose 'PhD Biosciences (FT)' and save your selection. Upload a personal statement, covering letter, CV, degree transcripts/certificates, and English language qualification if applicable. Use code 'BI101' in 'Studentship Reference'. No research proposal is required; simply type in the project title from the advert. For further information, contact Dr Louise Reynard at [email protected].

[100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend of £21,805 (2026-27 UKRI rate). International candidates must fund the difference between home and international fees.] This PhD studentship at Newcastle University’s Biosciences Institute offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the role of transcriptional enhancers in gene regulation and osteoarthritis. The project focuses on SOX9, a transcription factor essential for cartilage development and maintenance, and its regulatory enhancers—non-coding DNA elements that fine-tune gene expression. Recent discoveries have identified 16 novel human SOX9 enhancers, some of which contain genetic variants linked to increased osteoarthritis susceptibility. Osteoarthritis is a progressive musculoskeletal disease affecting over 600 million people worldwide, resulting from the breakdown of cartilage. Understanding how SOX9 enhancers control cartilage gene expression is crucial for developing regenerative therapies and tissue-specific CRISPR strategies to correct age-related dysregulation in cartilage. The research will employ integrated bioinformatics, CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic and epigenetic editing, transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling, qRT-PCR, western blotting, histology, and functional assays in human monolayer and 3D cartilage cultures. Mechanical loading and biochemical stimulation will be used to assess enhancer activity in response to physiologically relevant cues, utilizing cartilage cell lines, mesenchymal stem cells, and patient-derived chondrocytes. As a student, you will join Newcastle University’s Faculty of Medical Sciences, gaining access to state-of-the-art facilities and specialist training in genomics, bioinformatics, and regenerative medicine. The project is supervised by Dr Louise Reynard and co-supervised by Prof David Young, both based at the Biosciences Institute. The studentship is sponsored by the Dr WE Harker Foundation and offers one award, starting on 21st September 2026, with a duration of four years. Funding includes 100% of home tuition fees and an annual stipend of £21,805 (2026-27 UKRI rate). International candidates are welcome but must fund the difference between home and international tuition fees. Eligibility requires at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in biomedical sciences; an MRes is advantageous. English language requirements are IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each sub-skill. Applicants must submit a covering letter, CV, degree transcripts/certificates, and proof of English language qualification if applicable. Applications should be made through the Newcastle University Application Portal. Select 'Postgraduate Research', 'Full Time', year 2026, course code 8420F, and 'PhD Biosciences (FT)'. Include code 'BI101' in the 'Studentship Reference'. No research proposal is required. For further information, contact Dr Louise Reynard at [email protected].