Effect of magnetic field exposure on circadian rhythms

Public Health England (PHE) is an executive agency of the Department of Health providing; strategic leadership, research, advice and support for Government, local authorities and the NHS in protecting and improving the nation’s health.

We are looking for a PhD student to work within the Physiology and Neurobiology Group located in the Biological Effects Department of the PHE Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE) in Chilton, Oxfordshire. The group carries out research into the effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation, particularly in relation to effects on behaviour and carcinogenesis.

Circadian rhythms are disrupted by lifestyle changes experienced within an industrialised society; these can include shift working, movement between time zones, stress, and, potentially, exposures to non-ionising radiation. The disruption of circadian rhythms is associated with many reported adverse effects on health, such as increased risks for cancer, heart disease, immune dysregulation, reproductive problems, learning deficits, obesity, and mood disorders.

We are constantly exposed to electromagnetic fields. Magnetic fields are associated with power generation and electrical appliances. At low exposure levels, such as those encountered daily, the effects of exposure on sleep behaviour are still unknown. Exposure to magnetic fields has been reported to affect circadian rhythms and this may be mediated by perturbation of the “master clock” within the brain.

The student will investigate the effects of magnetic field exposure on circadian rhythm by investigating changes in behaviour, along with gene and protein expression.

The successful candidate will benefit from extensive training in a wide range of methods including in vivo behavioural analysis, and molecular biology as well as techniques in histology and immunohistochemistry.

The student should have, or expect to gain, a first or strong upper second class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant biological sciences discipline.

This is a jointly supervised PhD project between PHE (Dr Kerry Broom) and the University of Oxford, Department of Pharmacology (Professor Daniel Anthony).

The Physiology and Neurobiology group at PHE has been carrying out research into the physiological and behavioural effects of RF and other electromagnetic fields for over 30 years. Interests include investigating mechanisms whereby low level exposures could lead to biological changes, and the late effects of early exposures. The group has published over 35 indexed papers and more than 20 reviews.

The Experimental Neuropathology Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford was established in 2000, and over 100 peer reviewed papers have been published by the laboratory.

Successful candidates will also have to meet the University of Oxford eligibility criteria (https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford/application-guide?wssl=1).

For further information or an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr. Kerry Broom at PHE (01235 825122).

If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to [Email Address Removed] by 11 June 2018:
• An up-to-date CV;
• A single-page A4 single-spaced covering letter setting out why you are a suitable candidate.
• Names and contact details for two referees;
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification (where applicable).