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RNA therapy development for inherited eye diseases

Funding
Self-funded
Study mode
Full-time
Apply by
Start date
Year round
Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
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Overview

Applications are welcomed for self-funded students to pursue a PhD in RNA therapeutics.

About this opportunity

The PhD project will use short activating RNAs to specifically increase target gene expression in inherited or acquired eye disease. The work will build upon extensive local expertise combined with input from the world-leader company on short activating RNAs (saRNA).

In recent years our work has focused on an inherited eye disease called aniridia. For most patients with aniridia, they are born with one functional copy of the PAX6 gene and one non-functional copy. Using saRNAs, we have sought to target the functional copy and increase expression of the protein as a means to rescue the disease. Our work to date has established the feasibility of this approach working from cells in a dish through to animal models. The next stage of the project will be to test efficacy in treating a mouse model of the disease (in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Aberdeen).

In addition, we have identified a number of alternative targets where saRNA technology could be used to improve patient outcomes. Therefore, we would also/alternatively welcome a PhD student to work on new targets for therapy development. Alternatively or in addition, projects can be developed using our existing tools to investigate gene/protein function with specific discovery science projects centred around alternative splicing and circadian regulation available to be pursued. We anticipate the final PhD that your pursue will be a whatever bespoke combination of the translational and discovery science parts to best suit your interest and career plans.

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Who is this for?

This project is open to self-funded UK and international applicants.

Ideally the successful applicant will have a strong background in genetics and practical experience in core cell and molecular techniques such as cell or tissue culture, RNA isolation and RT-qPCR. Note that these lab skills are not an absolute requirement, our research team are very happy to train candidates in everything they require. The work will primarily be performed in the state of the art labs at the University of Liverpool but will likely also spend time at the University of Aberdeen and/or the headquarters of MiNA therapeutics in London, or collaborators at the University of Ulster and at Wills Eye Hospital, Philidelphia.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Applications should be made to the project supervisors in the first instance via CV and cover letter. We will then discuss project options and what would be best suited to you. Please email your documents to Kevin Hamill: khamill@liverpool.ac.uk.

    Note that only when a candidate has been selected will a formal online application be required.

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • English language certificates (international applicants only)
    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Contact details for two proposed supervisors
    • Names and contact details of two referees.
  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

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Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £5,006

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £31,250

Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.


Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project, as well as general student living costs.


Funding your PhD

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.


We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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