This is an exciting opportunity to carry out research on a relatively common genetic metabolic disease: Phenylketonuria (PKU). The successful candidate will research how this disease affects neurocognitive functioning during different developmental ages (in childhood, young adulthood, middle age), with results informing clinical advice and contributing to improve the life of the people affected.
PKU results in an inability to metabolize the ammino acid Phe and can cause severe intellectual disability when phe builds up in the blood and in the brain. For this reason, since the late sixties, all new-born babies are screened for PKU and, if positive, they are put on a strict PKU diet where the intake of Phe is severely restricted. While it is clear that a PKU diet needs to be followed during childhood and early adolescence, it is unclear whether it can be relaxed after that and to what extent. A PKU diet, which is the gold-standard treatment for most people, is not without costs. It needs to closely managed, it is expensive, time consuming, and unpalatable. Therefore, many adults with PKU abandon or relax it after adolescence. We do not know, however, whether there are negative effects, whether effects increase with age, and whether there are individual differences. This research programme will address these questions. This is the first cohort of early-treated adults with PKU to reach middle-age (aged ≥45y) and this research is very timely.
The successful candidate will be supervised by internationally renowned experts in the treatment of PKU as well experts in the diagnosis and interpretation of neurocognitive impairments. He/she will also work closely with some of the main teams treating PKU in the country including dieticians and metabolic consultants. We are looking for highly motivated, hard-working, individuals with excellent academic and problem-solving abilities who wants to became a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of neurocognitive diseases.
Requirements
A high 2:1 degree in Psychology or Dietetics. A master in cognitive sciences, dietetics, research methods, and/or health psychology would be a plus.
Person Specification
A Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average, and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution)
Submitting an application
As part of the application, you will need to supply:
· A copy of your current CV
· Copies of your academic qualifications for your Bachelor degree, and Masters degree (if studied); this should include both certificates and transcripts, and must be translated in to English
· A research proposal statement*
· Two academic references
· Proof of your English Language proficiency
Details of how to submit your application can be found here.
*The application must be accompanied by a “research proposal” statement. An original proposal is not required as the initial scope of the project has been defined, candidates should take this opportunity to detail how their knowledge and experience will benefit the project and should also be accompanied by a brief review of relevant research literature.
Please include the supervisor’s name and project title in your Personal Statement.
If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at [Email Address Removed]
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