A fully funded 3-year PhD studentship is available to develop methods to degrade Aβ in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cortical organoid model.
Preferred start date: Monday 28 March 2022.
OVERVIEW OF THE PHD RESEARCH:
A large percentage of our ageing population is affected by late onset chronic diseases affecting the nervous system, known as neurodegenerative diseases. One of these- Alzheimer's disease (AD), is the most common cause of progressive dementia in the elderly population. Despite the scale of incidence of AD there remains no effective treatment to delay or prevent neurodegeneration in patients. Thus, there is a pressing need for scientific research into dementia and new therapeutic approaches to become a priority - not only to minimise suffering among patients but also to combat the increasing financial burden on societies across the World.
A small protein fragment termed Aβ accumulates as amyloid plaques in the brain of patients with AD. It is toxic, causes brain cells to die, believed to be the primary cause of AD. Therefore, developing strategies to reduce the amount of Aβ in the brain constitutes a rational therapeutic approach.
The student will develop approaches to degrade Aβ (both the monomeric and oligomeric forms) in a 3-D brain organoid model derived from stem cells reprogrammed from cells of AD patients. The student will gain experience in protein biochemistry, cell biology and stem cell derived ‘Disease in a Dish’ models.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First Class or high upper second class degree in Biochemistry or Molecular Cell Biology with an strong interest/experience in neurobiology. Laboratory Placement experience is essential.
Non-UK nationals must meet our English language entry requirement.
FUNDING ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for the studentship attached to this project, you must qualify as a Home student. The eligibility criteria for Home fee status are detailed and too complex to be summarised here in full; however, as a general guide, UK nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), Irish nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), those with Indefinite Leave to Remain and EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK will normally qualify (subject to meeting residency requirements). This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. To find out more, see our fee status guidance or visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS:
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Vasanta Subramanian on email address [Email Address Removed].
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Biochemistry (full-time).
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Note: Applications may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found; therefore, early application is recommended.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.