Fully-funded White Rose BBSRC DTP Biology project: At the interface of injury, age and nutrition: characterising a novel protein regulating neuronal activity, survival and starvation responses.

Lead supervisor: Dr Sean Sweeney (Department of Biology)

Co-supervisors: Dr Paul Pryor (Department of Biology) Prof Marek Brzozowski (Department of Chemistry)

The student will be registered with the Department of Biology

The aim of this project is to identify mechanisms regulating neuronal excitability when neurons are starved, injured or aged. Neuronal function is required over a whole lifetime and maintaining this function as neurons are injured, starved or aged is key to cognitive robustness in later age. We have identified a conserved novel protein that appears to regulate neuronal responses to diet and injury in mammals and Drosophila. Understanding what this novel protein does will be key to knowing how neurons maintain function over a lifetime. We will use mammalian cell culture, whole organism genetics (Drosophila), behaviour, cell biology, high resolution imaging and cell signalling to study endosomal dynamics, starvation responses and resting calcium to understand the links between dietary responses, endosome dynamics and neuronal excitability. 

You will be part of an experienced multidisciplinary team in the Departments of Biology, HYMS and Chemistry at York. Creative and enthusiastic individuals with an eye for detail are encouraged to apply. Applications from candidates, ideally with some background in cell biology, genetics, neuroscience and/or biomedical sciences are welcome.

The Departments of Biology and Chemistry both hold an Athena SWAN Gold Award. We are committed to supporting equality and diversity and strive to provide a positive working environment for all staff and students. 

The WR DTP and the University of York are committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with any biological, chemical, and/or physical science backgrounds, or students with mathematical background who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological questions. 

Programme: PhD in Mechanistic Biology (4 years)

Start Date: 1st October 2023

Interviews: Friday 10 February 2023 or Monday 13 February 2023. Please keep these dates free.