The role of the immune system in women’s reproductive health

The human endometrium is a highly dynamic tissue that rapidly regenerates over approximately 20 days and differentiates to form a uterus lining receptive to embryo implantation, further transforming into decidua to support embryonic development, or breaking down before regenerating a few days later. Crosstalk between local structural, vascular and immune cells is critical for the functions to carried out and is under hormonal control. Dysregulation of this process can lead to infertility, pregnancy complications and serious benign and malignant diseases. Together, these pathologies affect a significant fraction of women and families, and pregnancy complications negatively impact the lifelong health of offspring. However, the immune system in the uterus is poorly characterised and in particular how repair and regeneration in the uterus is shaped by immune cells. This project will combine mucosal immunology expertise within the Lydia Becker Institute combined with reproductive biology expertise within the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group to dissect immune cell interactions with local structural and other non immune cells to enable characterisation of critical regulators of implantation in early pregnancy.

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a topic related to biological and medical sciences. Candidates with experience in cell biology, development or immunology or with an interest in reproductive medicine are encouraged to apply.

For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Immunology.

For international students we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit http://www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk