What are the mechanisms by which tau pathology propagates?

Applications are invited for a three- and half-year PhD studentship at the University of Southampton, with some secondment to the University of British Columbia, Canada. The studentship will start on 1st October 2021.

Tau pathology spreads throughout the brains of tauopathy patients by a process often described as “prion-like” propagation. The mechanisms that underpin this pathogenic spread are unclear, though this is an intensely researched area, with data emerging from several in vitro and in vivo experimental paradigms. This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to identify critical modulators of spread in an unbiased screen using a novel Drosophila model of tau propagation. The student will acquire expertise in several experimental techniques, including confocal microscopy, in vivo imaging, immunohistochemistry, and Drosophila genetics. As this is a collaboration between the University of Southampton and the University of British Columbia (UBC), there will be a period of secondment to UBC, providing further opportunities for training and networking in the Allan laboratory. As well as this, the student will benefit from exposure and training through collaboration with two groups with expertise relevant to this project: Dr Herman Wijnen and Dr Katrin Deinhardt (University of Southampton, UK).

Eligibility

Applicants must have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters qualification. Experience in Drosophila husbandry, genetics, molecular biology and cellular biology is desired. A background in neurobiology is a must. The studentship is supported for three years and includes total home tuition fees plus a stipend of £15,609 per annum (2021/22 rate).

The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants usually required to cover international fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates (approximately £12,697 per annum).

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact [Email Address Removed]

The closing date for applications is noon on 14.08.2021.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview by 31.08.2021.

We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.