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  PhD Opportunity - Defining the sensory neuron response to nerve injury.


   College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences

  Dr G Weir  Applications accepted all year round  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

'TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK INSTITUTION WEBSITE'

A PhD position is available in the Spinal Cord Group (SCG) at the University of Glasgow, researching the mammalian somatosensory nervous system. This opportunity is open to candidates who have the means to self-fund their studies or who have a sponsor who will cover this cost.

Project background

Neuropathic pain affects over 5 million people in the UK, the majority of whom are failed by current treatments and live with often disabling pain. Pain arises following nerve damage and results from changes in the way that the somatosensory nervous system functions. Under normal conditions, sensory neurons detect and signal the sensory stimuli that underlie touch, temperature discrimination, pain, and itch. However, after nerve injury these neurons increase their electrical activity, a phenomenon which is thought to contribute to the pain experienced by patients. Our ability to therapeutically reverse the pain state is limited by us not having a detailed picture of the exact molecular and physiological changes that happen, nor their functional relevance to pain. This project will use newly developed transgenic and transcriptomic technology, in combination with chemogenetics and sensory testing of preclinical models, to address these knowledge gaps. The bold ambition of this project is to better understand underlying mechanisms and define new druggable targets to treat chronic pain.

Environment 

The student will be part of the SCG and the wider School of Psychology and Neuroscience. The SCG is composed of a vibrant group of research teams, with an international reputation of excellence for studies on the neuronal organisation of pain pathways. Student development will be prioritised and they will have the opportunity to join other group members at international neuroscience meetings to present their work.

Skills/Attributes

  • A strong ability to solve challenges and willingness to learn new techniques and work across disciplines.
  • Demonstrable self-motivation and independent initiative.
  • Excellent team working and communication skills (oral and written).
  • Some laboratory experience and basic skills in molecular biology techniques and/or some familiarity working with cell lines would be advantageous.

APPLY VIA UofG WEBSITE

Biological Sciences (4) Medicine (26) Psychology (31)

Where will I study?

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