Jill Dixon

Jill Dixon is a Senior Lecturer in Basic Dental Sciences at the Division of Dentistry, University of Manchester. Her research focuses on craniofacial development, particularly the genetic mechanisms underlying cleft palate. She has held academic positions since 2000, progressing from post-doctoral roles to her current senior lecturer role since August 2011.

Her work integrates functional genomics, developmental biology, and mouse models to study congenital anomalies. Current lab members include post-doctoral researchers and PhD students like Rose Richardson and Robert Sullivan. Research interests include the roles of genes like p63, IRF6, and Tcof1 in facial development.

Key research themes include understanding molecular pathways in cleft palate formation and their connection to syndromes like Treacher Collins. Her studies contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being (SDG 3). Funding sources include the Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust.

Notable publications highlight advances in ribosomal RNA transcription, exome sequencing for cleft palate genes, and p63's role in palatal development. Her work aims to inform clinical management and future treatments for facial birth defects.