4 YEAR MPHIL/PHD PROGRAMME: MRC CENTRE FOR NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES

OUR PROGRAMME The MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases is a partnership between the UCL Institutes of Neurology and Child Health, and Newcastle University, and is a recognised centre of excellence for clinical research training and education in neuromuscular diseases. For more information on the MRC Centre and its partners please visit http://www.cnmd.ac.uk/. Our 4 Year MPhil/PhD programme is a vital part of the MRC Centre and offers an excellent opportunity to carry out unique and exciting research in one of our five disease themes: muscular dystrophy, channelopathy, neuropathy, IBM/protein aggregate myopathy and mitochondrial disease. Applications are now open for entry into the programme in September 2013, and exciting projects are available based at either UCL or Newcastle University, or collaboratively between both institutions. Candidates should state their preference in their covering letter or alternatively state if they are happy to consider all available options. In London students will carry out three lab rotations in year 1 and in years 2-4 complete a main research project in the lab of their choice. In Newcastle students will study for an MRes in Medical and Molecular Biosciences in year 1, which includes a taught component and a 20-week lab project, and in years 2-4 complete a main research project in the lab of their choice. Successful applicants will be awarded a generous annual stipend starting at 19,919 per annum (plus 2,359 London Allowance where applicable) and tuition fees will be paid in full. Applications are only open to those meeting the MRC eligibility criteria; chiefly UK/EU citizens who have been resident in the UK for the past three years or those with a relevant connection with the UK. For more information on MRC eligibility please visit: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Applicanthandbook/Studentships/Eligibility/index.htm For further information on our programmes please visit: http://www.cnmd.ac.uk/training/studentships/studenthsip_programme http://www.ncl.ac.uk/biomedicine/postgrad/research/ http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ich/research-ich/dubowitz Closing date for applications is 7 November 2012. Applications received after this date cannot be considered.
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HOW TO APPLY Application is by CV and covering letter. Your application should be emailed to michael.wright@ucl.ac.uk by the stated th deadline of 7 November 2012. Only Word documents or pdf files will be accepted. Please send two files clearly labelled SURNAME, CV and SURNAME, COVERING LETTER. WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS? You should already hold, or anticipate being awarded in 2013, a UK Bachelors degree with first or upper second-class honours, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised higher education institute. We will consider applicants with a lower second-class honours degree if they also have a recognised taught Master's degree. Your degree should be in a related subject, for example; Neuroscience, Biological or Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Medicine. WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY CV? Details of your first and/or Masters degrees Details of any relevant work experience Details of any voluntary research/clinical experience Details of any academic publications, conference presentations or posters you have written or presented Details of any academic prizes you have won Names and contact details (email preferred) for TWO academic referees Details of any English language qualifications held if your first language is not English

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY COVERING LETTER? You should not repeat the information presented in your CV but expand upon it. For example; what is it you can bring to this programme? What do you hope to learn? How will a PhD in Neuromuscular Diseases fit into, or further your career plans? Why is a four year programme attractive? Your preference as to a project based at either UCL or Newcastle University, or a collaborative project between both institutions. Please also indicate how you meet the MRC eligibility criteria. RECRUITMENT TIMETABLE Applications close on 7 November 2012 and interviews will be held in London on 19 November 2012. An alternative interview date cannot be offered to individual shortlisted candidates. Due to the high number of applications we receive we regret that we will only be able to contact those who are shortlisted for interview. CONTACT US Candidates are invited to contact us with any questions or to arrange to visit both sites. For questions on the application process please contact Mr Michael Wright, MRC Centre Administrator, at michael.wright@ucl.ac.uk For academic and clinical enquiries please contact: Prof Mary Reilly, Institute of Neurology, UCL: m.reilly@ucl.ac.uk Prof Francesco Muntoni, Institute of Child Health, UCL: f.muntoni@ucl.ac.uk Prof Patrick Chinnery, Newcastle University: patrick.chinnery@newcastle.ac.uk
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