Developing therapies targeting inflammation and dysfunctional matrix biology in neurological and ocular disease

We are seeking talented, motivated students with a passion for research in inflammation and matrix biology in the eye and brain to join our team co-led by Dr Lisa Hill https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/clinical-sciences/hill-lisa.aspx and Dr Hannah Botfield https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/inflammation-ageing/botfield-hannah.aspx

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant scientific discipline, and who are self-funded or have typically applied for, or secured funding for their studies from their government, employer or associated charitable organisations.

NEURO-OCULAR INFLAMMATION AND MATRIX RESEARCH

The Neuro-Ocular Inflammation and Matrix Research team is part of the wider Neuroscience, Trauma and Ophthalmology group within the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham. We focus on understanding how unresolved inflammation and dysfunctions in matrix biology can lead to neurological and ocular diseases across the lifespan. We are identifying the key mechanisms and signalling pathways which lead to disease and developing therapies which help resolve inflammation and normalise matrix biology. Our research covers both fundamental and early translational science. We also have a programme of research dedicated to developing novel drug delivery technologies in order to deliver drugs into the eye.

We use a combination of molecular biology techniques (immunohistochemistry, western blot, ELISA, PCR), imaging and disease models (in vitro, ex vivo, preclinical) in our research.

We have ongoing projects assessing:

• anti-fibrotic and neuroprotective treatments for glaucoma

• immunotherapies for age-related macular degeneration

• topical drug delivery in ocular models

• anti-fibrotic agents to treat inflammation and fibrosis in stroke and hydrocephalus

• the effects of ageing on cerebrospinal fluid dynamics

• in vitro models of haemorrhagic stroke

PhD projects, using these approaches, answering translationally relevant research questions are available to self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates interested in joining the neuro-ocular inflammation and matrix research team.

APPLICATION ROUTES

Self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates interested in joining the team can select one of these options for undertaking a PhD in the field of Inflammation and Ageing.

Applicants with research experience and/or Master’s degree should apply directly to the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing for either a 3 or 4 year full-time PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/research/med/inflammation-ageing.aspx. This route requires applicants to submit a drafted research proposal.

Applicants seeking additional research experience or who have yet to complete a Master’s degree should apply to the 4 year Integrated Doctoral Training Programme in Life Sciences for Health, which combined a MRes and PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr/idtp/index.aspx.

Applicants will need to submit the following documentation during the application process.

• Detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;

• Covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities and why you wish to undertake a PhD in the team;

• Names and addresses of two referees;

• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts written in English;

• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.

• Evidence of scholarship application/funding or independent funding.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

University of Birmingham offers pre-sessional English Language courses through the Birmingham International Academy – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/bia/presessional/index.aspx

For additional information on postgraduate studying at University of Birmingham please click - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate

For additional information on research at the College of Medical and Dental Sciences please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/index.aspx

For additional information on research in the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/inflammation-ageing/index.aspx

For additional information on research within the Neuroscience, Trauma and Ophthalmology Group please click - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/inflammation-ageing/neuroscience-trauma-and-ophthalmology.aspx

Funding notes:

Applicants are invited from self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates ONLY

Applicants will be self-funded or will have typically applied for, or secured funding for their studies from their government, employer or associated charitable organisations.

Overseas graduates require IELTs of 6.5 overall

How to apply:

Applying directly to the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing for either a 3 or 4 year full-time PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/research/med/inflammation-ageing.aspx. Applying to the 4 year Integrated Doctoral Training Programme in Life Sciences for Health, which combined a MRes and PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr/idtp/index.aspx.