Dr X Zhang, Prof G Woodhall
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Applications are invited from ambitious, self-motivated candidates to undertake a PhD in the field of Pain and Ion channels. The candidate will join the active research group of Dr Xuming Zhang. This opportunity is open to UK and EU students who have at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree (2.1) or equivalent in neuroscience or a related subject.
Acute pain is beneficial for survival, but it is detrimental to health when it becomes persistent. How acute pain transitions into a chronic stage remains poorly understood. Damaging and painful stimuli are first detected by specialized membrane proteins from the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channel family on sensory nerve endings. TRPA1 is such an ion channel capable of detecting damaging cold, chemical and mechanical stimuli acting as a pain sensor. Function of TRPA1 thus determines pain signalling. We have recently found that functions of TRPA1 are markedly influenced by the Ca2+-sensing protein calmodulin that binds to TRPA1 forming a local protein signalling complex (Hasan R et al, Scientific Reports 2017) during acute activation. However, it remains unknown how TRPA1 is regulated during persistent activation, contributing to chronic pain.
The successful candidate will undertake a series of studies examining whether a distinct TRPA1 ion channel-protein signalling complex is formed during persistent TRPA1 activation and its role in chronic pain. They will elucidate the molecular details of TRPA1 signalling complexes in sensory neurons and how they might be targeted for effective pain therapies. The student will receive training on a hot research topic and use a range of research skills including Molecular Biology, Protein Biochemistry, Electrophysiology, Pharmacology, Confocal Imaging and Pain Behaviours.
Aston University was ranked 5th out of 94 UK Higher Education Institutions for research in Allied Health Professions (REF 2014) and was ranked 1st for research environment. Additional information about research in the School can be found at: http://www.aston.ac.uk/lhs/research/. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Xuming Zhang at [Email Address Removed] Tel: 0121 204 4828.
Financial Support
The studentship comprises of a tax-free stipend at the 2017/18 RCUK rate of £14,553 per annum and payment of Home/EU tuition fees only. The studentship is available for three years, subject to satisfactory progress review at the end of the first year, with an anticipated registration date of 1st October 2017.
Application Requirements:
● Eligible Applicants should hold at least a Bachelor (Hons.) Degree of either 1st Class/ 2.1 or MSc/MRes in a relevant subject (e.g. Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biochemistry & Biological Sciences).
● EU Applicants will need to demonstrate adequate proficiency in English Language skills, with a minimum overall score of 93 (Internet Based) (with a minimum score in each section of: R: 18, W: 23, L: 19 and S: 19) in TOEFL or IELTS with minimum marks of 6.0 in each section and an overall band of 6.5.
● To apply, please complete the on-line application form at:
http://www1.aston.ac.uk/lhs/research/postgraduate-research/apply/, choosing ‘Research Full-time Biomedical Sciences September 2017’. Please quote Reference: ‘PhD_Oct 2017_Zhang’
● The Closing Date for all Applications is: Thursday 24th August 2017.