Applications are invited for prospective PhD candidates in an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) funded project under Dr Priyanka Upadhyai in the Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal. 

The project addresses the signaling interplay and regulation in chondrogenesis with a broad goal of understanding pathomechanisms underlying genetic FGFR3 related skeletal disorders, such as achondroplasia. 

Selected candidates fulfilling the eligibility criteria will be working in an interdisciplinary setting with a repertoire of current and advanced cellular and molecular analysis tools and can register for PhD at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal. 

Postgraduate degree — MSc. or MTech. (with minimum 60% marks or equivalent) in any branch of Life sciences – Biological sciences/​Genetics/​/​Biochemistry.

Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC NET JRF, GATE, ICMR-JRF, DBT-BET will be preferred. If found suitable those applying without CSIR-UGC/DBT/ICMR predoctoral fellowships will have the option of registering for PhD under the PhD Program offered by MAHE, Manipal (https://​mani​pal​.edu/​m​u​/​a​c​a​d​e​m​i​c​s​/​p​h​d​.html).

Selected candidates will be working at the interface of basic sciences and clinical research in a highly interdisciplinary environment with clinical and human geneticists, clinicians, scientists and genetic counsellors. 

Candidates should have a sound knowledge of cell, molecular biology and genetics. They should possess a good academic record, communication skills in English, inquisitiveness, perseverance, and strong motivation to pursue a career in human genetics. 

Those with skills or prior training in molecular and cellular investigation techniques – including but not limited to mammalian cell-culture, protein and RNA analysis, molecular cloning may be preferred. 

Interested candidates may submit their detailed CV with a one page cover letter summarizing their suitability for the position, names and contact information of at least two referees with the subject line: ​‘JRF Application for FGFR3 project’ to the Principal Investigator Dr Priyanka Upadhyai, Associate Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal via email to priyanka.​u@​manipal.​edu