Post-stroke pain: central versus peripheral mechanisms

Approximately 40% of stroke survivors develop post-stroke pain which significantly impacts on quality of life. Post-stroke pain is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. The medications available have highly undesirable side-effects and the pathophysiology on post-stroke pain is not completely understood. Leaving a clear unmet need for new therapies which provide relief from post-stroke pain and have little or no side effects. The project will use in vitro analysis (i.e. immunohistochemistry and western blot) and in vivo electrophysiology to establish the central and peripheral mechanisms that drive post-stroke pain, with the potential of identifying new targets for the development of novel therapeutics.

Entry Requirements:

Candidates must have a first or upper second class honors degree or significant research experience. The ideal candidate has an interest in neurological disorders in particular stroke, and the ability to work independently, creatively and efficiently. Knowledge of methods in behavioural neuroscience, microscopy, and molecular biology is of advantage

How to apply:

Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form available here: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply

Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select School of Clinical Dentistry as the department.

 Enquiries:

Interested candidates should in the first instance contact Dr Milena De Felice ([Email Address Removed])

Funding:

Scholarships are for 3.5 years, including tuition fees and stipend at UKRI rates, and up to £4K per year for consumables and research training support. The PhD should be completed within the 3.5 year scholarship period.

Closing date: 16 December 2022

Proposed start date: March 2023