Unravelling the mechanisms of muscle anabolic resistance in aging and diabetes using in vitro methodologies and human physiology studies

Background: The aim of this project is to identify the mechanisms underlying ‘anabolic resistance’, a common metabolic disturbance associated with ageing, physical inactivity and type-2 diabetes and is strongly linked to insulin resistance. The studies will utilise an integrated approach, combining state-of-the-art cell line and molecular biology techniques within the Medical School with in vivo, human physiology studies within Sport and Health Sciences. The candidate will spend the first 12-18 months within the Medical School learning detailed in vitro methods for dissecting intra- and extracellular signalling pathways within skeletal muscle cell lines. Thereafter, the student will spend time working within the Sport and Health Science department performing in vivo human physiology studies with the ultimate goal of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying dysfunction that arises from metabolic perturbations (i.e. hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia) and ageing, two linked pathologies that significantly contribute to health decline.

Facilities and learning environment: It is expected that the student will gain invaluable experience by learning detailed in vitro methodologies to examine and interrogate signalling pathways in combination with studies involving human participants (e.g. hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamps). It is anticipated that the candidate will be involved in writing the human study protocol for ethical approval. The candidate will also drive the participant recruitment programme and run and organise blood sampling and muscle biopsy collection to be compliant with the human tissues act. The candidate will have the unique experience of having all of the facilities available across both the Medical School and the School of Health Sciences to perform their studies.

Techniques and skills available to learn: Aspectic mammalian cell culture, Western blotting, manipulation of gene expression using siRNA/shRNA, Seahorse Extracellular Flux analyser, confocal microscopy, radiolabelled tracer studies, human hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamps, vascular cannulation/blood sampling, stable isotope tracer studies, human muscle biopsies.

Suitability: This PhD would ideally suit a candidate coming from a biochemistry/physiology/pharmacology and/or sports biomedicine background. Candidates should have a keen interest in fundamental mechanistic biology and the desire to translate such data into integrated and functional human physiology.

Interviews: Mid-late October 2015

Anticipated Start Date: January 2016

University of Exeter: Our research income doubled in the five years prior to 2013 and we have a growing reputation for research excellence, as evidenced by our excellent performance in the Research Excellence Framework 2014.

We are particularly committed to encouraging new ideas and nurturing talent, and as such we boast an extremely high number of early career researchers at Exeter. Thirty per cent of our academic staff are early career researchers currently, a much greater proportion than most other universities. This makes the University of Exeter one of the very best places to pursue postgraduate study and research.

Applicants should be highly motivated and have, or expect to obtain, either a first or upper-second class BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. International applicants must also have IELTS [International English Language Testing System] score of 7 and above (or equivalent qualification).

Please send a CV, Covering letter (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project) and copies of degree transcript (giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained. This should be an interim transcript if you are still studying) via the online application form.

We regret that only candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

Contact name for scientific enquiries: Dr Craig Beall ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Benjamin Wall ([Email Address Removed])

For any other enquiries please contact: [Email Address Removed]