Dr Wei-Hang Chua, Dr M Dickens, Dr Kevin Pedley, Prof Marlena Kruger
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) are ion channels found in the cell membrane that allow calcium (Ca2+) to enter the cell. These channels are an essential part of the cellular machinery allowing cells of excitable tissues to undergo action potentials and for synaptic transmission. VSCCs are also found in bone cells and predominantly in osteocytes, which make up 90% of bone cells. The osteocyte is believed to be the skeleton’s “mechanosensor” and is central to the regulation of bone density.
Osteocytes are embedded in the bone matrix in an interconnected network bathed in fluid whose flow is influenced by the body’s movement. Osteocytes respond to this fluid flow with an early response being an increase in cytosolic Ca2+. VSCCs are thought to be involved in the recovery of Ca2+ stores following mechanical stimulation. This research will investigate how VSCC function is affected by mechanical stimulation and how calcium channel blocker drugs affect their function and osteocyte metabolism. The student will be given training in in vitro cell culture, confocal microscopy and cellular electrophysiology.
Funding Notes
The successful candidate will receive a tax-free living allowance of NZ$25,000 per year for three (3) years (Approx. $18,000USD, 17,000EUR, GBP14,350, AUD23,400). The candidate will be responsible for University tuition fees.
References
he ideal candidate will have:
A sound background in physiology, biochemistry or molecular biology.
Bachelor’s degree with suitable Honours or a Master’s degree.
GPA of at least 7.5 out of 9 (A-) based on their last two years of study.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Laboratory experience with animal cell culture, biochemistry, electrophysiology or molecular biology would be advantageous but is not essential.
Suitable candidates must meet the entry requirements for enrolling in a PhD at Massey University: http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/research/higher-research-degrees/how-to-apply-for-the-phd/are-you-qualified-and-ready-for-the-phd/are-you-qualified-and-ready-for-the-phd_home.cfm
Non–native English speakers will need to fulfill the academic language requirements for postgraduate study at Massey University. See: http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/international/study-with-massey/entry-requirements/entry-requirements_home.cfm
The PhD will be based at the Massey University Manawatu Campus, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
If interested, please email your CV, academic transcripts, the names of at least two academic references, and a cover letter outlining your interest in this project along with why you are suited to this PhD, to Dr Wei-Hang Chua (w.h.chua@massey.ac.nz).
The closing date for applications is 10 March 2017. Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis. The successful candidate is expected to commence by August 2017 at the latest.
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