This project falls under the strategic priority focused on Drug discovery, basic research and neuropsychiatry disorders.
Neuroscience and pharmacology as fields have a poor track record for considering sex as a biological variable in basic research, which translates across all stages of the drug discovery pipeline where single sex or genders are studied. This is highly problematic given the known sex and gender differences in the manifestation of dementia. We aim to change the status quo by considering sex as a biological variable early and build a “fit-for-purpose” system for research.
Therefore, this project aims to develop and validate new human cell-based (hiPSCs) dementia culture models that will be used to develop safe medication to alleviate symptoms of AD, initially focusing on two promising novel therapeutic targets to alleviate anxiety associated with AD involving GABAA receptors and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5.
The project is in collaboration with Monash University (Australia) with an outcome being a refined pipeline to develop novel treatments for the cognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia.
Main methods and techniques
This PhD program will be co-supervised by Dr Afia B. Ali (UCL School of Pharmacy, UK) and Dr Karen Gregory (Monash University, Australia) and takes advantage of complimentary expertise within the teams, including neuropharmacology, signalling pathways and genetics. The student will be provided training in cell culture work, high-resolution electrophysiology, pharmacology with detailed neuroanatomy. This UCL-based student is required to attend a placement period at Monash for further training in analytical pharmacology and high throughput-amenable signalling assays in native cells.
Person specification
Applicants are expected to hold a first degree in pharmacy, pharmacology, biology, neuroscience or biomedical sciences (minimum 2.1). Postgraduate experience in cell culture (primary, recombinant or iPSC) would be desirable.
Applicants will also need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English Language requirements. See link for further details https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectivestudents/graduate/research-degrees/pharmacy-mphil-phd
How to apply
Applications must include CV, personal statement, and the contact details of two referees. Applications should be emailed to Ms Michelle Ward at [Email Address Removed]
The deadline for applications is 2nd July 2023.