PhD studentship in cell and molecular biosciences - Identifying the Crosstalk between Autophagy and Circadian proteins in control of lipid metabolism

Would you want to be the one to identify an exciting and novel crosstalk between autophagy, a cellular recycling mechanism, and circadian clock genes and how this crosstalk controls fat metabolism?

We seek a motivated student who will test the hypothesis that autophagy couples circadian pathways to lipid metabolism by degrading a subset of proteins that connect these two pathways. We will use biochemical and image-based approaches to dissect this novel crosstalk between autophagy and circadian proteins in regulation of lipid metabolism. Using site-directed mutagenesis of specific proteins we will determine how these pathways regulate lipolysis (fat burning) in liver cells. Using newly derived genetically modified mice, and in aged mice models, we will establish the occurrence of this crosstalk in vivo.

Training opportunities: This studentship provides training in: (1) aged and autophagy mice models, (2) cell biology of autophagy, (3) lipid metabolism, and (4) in basic circadian biology. The student will have the opportunity to present his/her work in autophagy or metabolism-related international meetings. These studies are expected to reveal novel findings that may be suitable for publication in high-impact journals.

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in a subject relating to mammalian physiology or biological sciences or biochemistry or a related area. A further qualification such as an MSc or MRes is advantageous.

The award is available to UK/EU and international applicants. If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5, or equivalent.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system - http://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/. To do this, please ‘Create a new account’.
Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However, you will need to include the following information:
• insert the programme code 8300F in the programme of study section
• select ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences – Cell and Molecular Biosciences’ as the programme of study
• insert the studentship code 10MREA in the studentship/partnership reference field
• attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship and supervisor, quote the studentship reference code 10MREA and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
• attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications