Chromosomal Instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancers, ageing and foetal loss. By studying naturally occurring variants of chromosome segregation genes enriched in cancer patient genomes, we aim to uncover the new molecular drivers of CIN in cancers. The consequence of chromosomal instability promoting variants will be first tested in human cell lines and then assessed through development using the Zebrafish embryonic development system. This project will combine molecular biology, cell biology, bioinformatics and developmental biology methods. New knowledge generated can help us understand how human cells ensure the accurate segregation of chromosomes throughout life and why it goes wrong in aggressive cancers.
The student will receive excellent training to conduce cell biology and molecular biology studies. The student will be taught cell and molecular biology to explore human cancer cell lines and induced pluripotent stem cells. The student will also be taught methods to introduce genetic variants in Zebrafish. The project will use high-resolution and super-resolution live cell microscopy. Prof Draviam leads the Centre for Cell Dynamics (CCD) and the student will have training and access to all imaging equipments in the facility.
Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.
We are looking for candidates to have or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and a Master’s degree in an area relevant to the project such as Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics or other related fields.
Knowledge of Mammalian cell culture, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or Microscopy would be highly advantageous.
You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2025. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.
Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 29th January 2025 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Prof Viji Draviam AT v.draviam@qmul.ac.uk Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.
Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.
For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.
Apply Online