Job Description

Three years and 3 months from February 2024

Project Summary

Mechanical forces in the environment can influence stem cell fate determination. Research has established a direct correlation between substrate stiffness and cell type differentiation. Firmer surfaces induce neuronal fates, while softer surfaces induce differentiation into adipose tissue. Recent findings have highlighted that mechanical stresses experienced by tumour cells can endow them with stem cell-like properties. Despite these insights mainly originating from in vitro cultures, the precise impact of mechanical forces on stem cells within a living organism remains elusive. This project employs the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, as a model to investigate how environmental stiffness alters the fate of epidermal stem cells. This project will offer insight into the in vivo influence of mechanical forces on stem cell destiny and provide a platform to uncover pertinent genes and genetic networks. The evolutionary gene conservation in C. elegans could shed light on the genetics of human stem cell differentiation and related disorders.

Further information

This three-year research studentship is funded by the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at The Open University and provides a stipend of \xc2\xa318,622 per year (2023/24 rate, indexed annually) and all academic fees are covered.

The student would be required to live in the UK and within commuting distance of The Open University in Milton Keynes.

Applicants will be expected to have a good undergraduate degree (upper second class or higher) in either Biology, Biochemistry or a related discipline.

This project will be well-suited to candidates who:

• A degree in biology or a related discipline.
• Are interested in Developmental Biology and cell fate.

Informal enquiries relating to the project should be directed to Dr Mark Hintze (email: ).

How to Apply

Please send an email with your CV, a completed and a personal statement (max. 1 page outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date) to

You can find more information in the following link:

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) -

Where a student neither comes from one of the countries listed in Table 1 or has a degree from one of the countries listed in Table 2 they will have to pass one of the Home Office approved English language tests, at an approved test centre. See further information . We recommend an IELTS SELT Consortium test.

Closing Date : 22 September, 2023 - 17:00

Interview date: Online Interviews will be arranged promptly after the closing date.

LHCS holds Athena Swan Bronze Status. We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Email :

\xc2\xa318,622. Stipend: per year (2023/24 rate, indexed annually)

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