The impact of circadian photo-entrainment on kidney damage associated with ischemia reperfusion injury.

Neuroscience/ Physiology PhD Studentship

Biological Rhythms and Renal Physiology

University of Kent –Medway School of Pharmacy

A fully funded PhD position for 3 years is available starting in October 2017 within the School of Pharmacy, University of Kent. The research aims of this project are to explore the impact of circadian photo-entrainment on kidney damage associated with ischemia reperfusion injury.

Circadian rhythms form a vital part of our everyday lives and are essential for homeostatic regulation of mammalian body systems and are heavily influences by our day-night cycles. These rhythms range from key physiological cellular systems to higher-level behavioural patterns, examples include hormonal rhythms (e.g. melatonin) sleep-wake cycles and mental alertness. Such inherent biological rhythms are regulated by a neuronal cell autonomous circadian pacemaker located in the hypothalamic region of the mammalian brain which receives environmental light information form specialised photoreceptive cells located within the retina of the mammalian eye. Recent evidence suggests environmental light can influence injury in the kidney, specifically ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Renal IRI is an inevitable consequence of renal transplantation leading to graft injury. This studentship will focus on understanding the mechanistic and therapeutic benefits of light in IRI. The project will involve the use of novel mouse models of IRI and both behavioural and physiological experimental techniques.

Applicants should hold a minimum upper-second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject discipline such as neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology, or any other life science related subject area. Prior experience in either circadian biology or renal physiology would be an advantage, but not essential. Annual stipend is set to £14,553 in the first instance.
Informal enquires should be made to Dr. Gurprit Lall ([Email Address Removed]; Tel: +44 (0)1634 202946) or Dr Claire Peppiatt-Wildman ([Email Address Removed]; el: +44 (0)1634 202992). Applications should be in the form of a full C.V. and covering letter either emailed or sent to either Dr.Gurprit Lall or Dr Claire Peppiatt-Wildman, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Anson Building, Central Avenue, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TB. Closing date for all applicants is 28th April 2017.