Applications are invited from graduates to join our dynamic QUB BREATH research team, led by Dr Lorraine Martin (School of Pharmacy) and Drs Lorcan McGarvey and Fionnuala Lundy (Centre for Experimental Medicine).

These 4-year, well-funded PhD Studentships include PhD stipend, postgraduate fees, running costs as well as a generous travel and training allowance.

Studies will investigate airways hydration, mucociliary clearance and sensory neuronal dysregulation associated with cough. In particular, the impact of infection, smoking and environmental irritants on associated inflammatory mediators such as proteases, cytokines and signalling pathways will be investigated with the aim of identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a drug discovery programme. Collaborations with DkIT & UWS will further expand capability in regard to ion channel and inflammation research and will maximise opportunities for interaction with Pharma. Training will be provided in cell biology to include airway epithelial and neuronal cell models, electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging, molecular biology as well as a range of biochemical techniques. Further opporutnities for training will be provided across a wide range of transferable skills including business, leadership, entrepreneurism and personal effectiveness. Students will also be expected to participate in a school outreach programme on the importance of Lung Health.

Eligibility: Candidates should hold, or expect to hold a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, biomedical science, physiology, pharmacy or another appropriate biological science subject. Excellent oral and written communication skills are also required, along with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

How to Apply: Postgraduate applications should be made using Queen’s University Direct Applications Portal.

For further information on the programme please email: Dr Lorraine Martin

Additional information for prospective postgraduate students can be found on the School of Pharmacy and Centre for Experimental Medicine websites and the Queen’s Graduate School website.

Recruitment will be a transparent and merit-based process in accordance with the 40 principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers.

Closing Date: 4 pm, Friday 24th February 2017
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by 16th March to arrange an interview.

Applications are invited from graduates to join our dynamic UWS BREATH research team, led by Professor John Lockhart, Dr Gary Litherland, Dr Anne Crilly (UWS) and Dr Carl Goodyear (University of Glasgow), and based in the Institute of Biomedical & Environmental Health Research Institute.

These 4-year, well-funded PhD Studentships include PhD stipend, postgraduate fees, running costs as well as a generous travel and training allowance.

Studies will investigate airway pathophysiology in the context of COPD; in particular, the impact of airway proteases and protease-activated receptor (PAR) activity, inflammation and tissue remodeling with the aim of identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a drug discovery programme. Collaboration with DkIT & QUB will focus on PAR interactions with disease-relevant ion channels, and maximize opportunities to link with clinicians, scientists and industry (Pharma) to investigate airway dysfunction in COPD. Training will be provided in a wide range of experimental systems and techniques, including in vivo transgenic and ex vivo (airway culture) models, microcomputed tomography (microCT), histology, flow cytometry, transcriptomics and other molecular and biochemical techniques. Further opportunities for training will be provided across a wide range of transferable skills including business, leadership, entrepreneurism and personal effectiveness. Students will also be expected to participate in a school outreach programme on the importance of Lung Health.

Eligibility: Candidates should hold, or expect to hold a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, biomedical science, physiology, pharmacy or another appropriate biological science subject. Excellent oral and written communication skills are also required, along with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

How to Apply: Postgraduate applications should be made using the UWS online system.

For further information on the programme please email: Dr Gary Litherland

Additional information for prospective postgraduate students can be found on the Graduate School website.

Recruitment will be a transparent and merit-based process in accordance with the 40 principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers.

Closing Date: 4 pm, Friday 24th February 2017
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by 16th March to arrange an interview.