360° Characterisation of the lipid profile of the protozoan Sarcocystis (RDS19-SSEB)

Fully funded PhD studentships for October 2019
As part of ongoing investment into areas of research strength, Teesside University is pleased to offer a number of fully-funded PhD studentships to exceptional doctoral candidates to commence in October 2019. The School of Science, Engineering and Design invites applications for fully-funded full-time PhD studentships in the following research projects:

Biosciences Research Group
https://research.tees.ac.uk/en/organisations/biosciences-research-group

Project ID Project title

RDS19-SSEB 360° Characterisation of the lipid profile of the protozoan Sarcocystis

Sarcocystis neurona is the most important cause of a neurologic disease in horses, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Although, EPM is treatable, sarcocystosis still heavily affects the high-performance horses (horse racing industry) and the course of treatment relies on the use of repurposed antifungals. Despite the wide prevalence of Sarcocystis, the literature completely lacks any insights on the lipid and lipidomic profiling of Sarcocystis. This project focuses on systematic study of the lipidomic profile and identification of key proteins involved in lipid biosynthesis in Sarcocystis. This multidisciplinary project will utilise a range of biological and chemical techniques to study of the lipid profile and identification of key proteins involved in lipid metabolism in Sarcocystis. The applicant will be based in a state-of-the-art research facility, The National Horizons Centre (NHC). The NHC offers state-of-the-art analytical and digital infrastructure supporting basic and applied research in the biosciences and across disciplinary boundaries, aligned to academic excellence and industry needs. Building on the strengths of our current research teams, recognised as internationally excellent, the NHC will grow a significant internationally competitive research and innovation capability that is responsive and engaged with industry needs to develop sustainable relationships with regional and national partners to power growth and innovation in the bioscience sector. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2:1 or above) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related area. A further qualification such as an MSc or MRes is highly advantageous. Previous laboratory experience is essential.

Supervisors: Dr John Mina; Prof Jim Scrivens (Teesside); Dr Paul Denny (Durham)
https://research.tees.ac.uk/en/persons/john-mina
https://research.tees.ac.uk/en/persons/james-scrivens
https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/about/schoolstaff/academicstaff/?id=2595

Applicants should use the link provided against the project area to the Research Centres and Research Groups identified and to the named supervisors for each project, to ensure that their application and proposal fits with the studentship offered.
Funding Eligibility
The studentship will cover tuition fees and provide an annual tax-free stipend of £15,000 for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Applications are welcome from strong UK and International students.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2:1 or above) and/or Masters level qualification in a relevant discipline, as well as a demonstrable understanding of the area; further details of the expected background may appear in the specific project details. International students would be subject to the standard entry criteria relating to English language ability, ATAS clearance and, when relevant, Tier 4 procedures.
How to Apply
Applicants should apply online for this opportunity. Please use the Full Time Funded PhD online application form. When asked to specify funding select “other” and enter the relevant studentship code given against the project that you applying for in the field required. You should also ensure that you add the studentship code as well as the title of the project on the proposal that you will need to upload when applying. If you would like to apply for more than one project, you will need to complete a further application form and specify the relevant title and code for each application to a topic or project. Please note that applications for funded studentships that do not quote the studentship title AND the Project ID on the proposal will be invalid and your application may not be considered for the appropriate funding.

For academic enquiries, please contact the relevant supervisor or staff in the research area directly. For administrative enquiries, contact [Email Address Removed].
Research at Teesside
The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in research group and centre activities, including training sessions and workshops, and will become a member of the University’s wider postgraduate research community. Mentoring and support will be provided for the development of a strong academic and professional CV during the PhD.
Key Dates
Closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 29 April 2019

We envisage that interviews will take place in May 2019

Successful applicants will be expected to start on 7th October 2019