PhD Studentship in: Investigation into the impact and effect of systemic iron deficiency, and iron repletion, on skeletal muscle function

UCL Department / Division:
Divison of Surgery and Interventional Science

Specific unit / Sub department:
Research Department of Tissue and Energy

Duration of Studentship:
3 years, and will cover UK/EU university tuition fees to a limit of £16,000 over 3 years.

Stipend:
£18,000 per annum
Vacancy Information The work will involve the mechanistic role of iron and its function in tissues. Iron has two important functions: assisting in the manufacture of blood cells to transport oxygen, as well as providing key ingredients in the cellular ‘power house’ (mitochondria) that uses oxygen to generate energy for muscles. New intravenous (IV) iron treatments are available, enabling full treatment in a single infusion. IV iron is known to be efficacious for correcting iron deficiency with or without anaemia, but we do not know if overall fitness and skeletal muscle function is improved. Furthermore, we do not know the mechanism of how ID, anaemia or treatments thereof may impact iron repletion on tissues.
Studentship Description The project will combine behavioural studies, confocal examination of mitochondrial function and trafficking in peripheral nerves and skeletal muscle, and biochemical examination of mitochondrial function in pre-clinical models with different types/degrees of iron deficiency. The effects of different types of iron therapy will be assessed, to inform clinical trials planned in patients with ID, providing mechanistic insight to ongoing clinical trials of intravenous iron therapy in differing patient populations (preoperative PREVENTT, cardiac CAVIAR, and critical care/ICU - IRONMAN). The findings will enable translational work to address what disease (ID with or without anaemia etc.) to screen for, and the impact of iron repletion on overall functional recovery and rehabilitation in the post-operative patient.
Person Specification
• A good (First or Upper Second Class Bachelor’s) degree in a biomedical or pharmacological subjects (or equivalent EU/overseas degree), and ideally an MSc in a related area.
• An interest in iron deficiency, anaemia and mitochondrial biochemistry, and a desire to learn more.
• Strong analytical/statistical skills
• Enthusiastic, organised with good communication skills - especially in written English.
• A strong work ethic, with the ability to think creatively and work independently.
• Develop pre-clinical models of iron deficiency and anaemia under the direction of Professor Toby Richards and Dr Anna Butcher.
• Prepare progress reports on research as required.
• Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare presentations, including text and images, for delivery by self and others.
• Travel for training, collaboration and other meetings or conferences.
• Contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required.
• Maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health and Safety Regulations at UCL and other facilities to be visited. Actively follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities and Race Equality policies.
Eligibility Please note that overseas candidates (i.e., non EU/UK) can only be considered if they provide formal proof, at the time of application, of a scholarship which funds the additional overseas tuition fees.
To make an application, please email your CV and a covering letter to Dr Anna Butcher ([Email Address Removed] ) explaining your interests, engineering and research experience (including examples of previous project work)

Contact name: Dr Anna Butcher

Contact details: [Email Address Removed]

Closing Date: 31 August 2017

Interview date: (dates to be confirmed)

Studentship Start Date: The anticipated start date is September 2017