PhD Study : Biophysical Modelling of Motor Neuron Disease

Apply and key information  

Summary

Background:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and is a fatal neurological disorder with an adult onset characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons (MN) [1]. Death generally occurs within 2–4 years from disease onset [2–4], although 5–10% of ALS patients survive over 10 years [2]. Numerous cellular and molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain MN death, such as glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, abnormal protein aggregation, mitochondrial disorganization and dysfunction contributing to the oxidative stress, proteostatic impairments, axonal and vesicular trafficking dysregulation and altered RNA metabolism and/or processing [5,6]. In addition, several studies suggest that not only the MN are affected but also the surrounding cells, such as the astrocytes, microglial cells or skeletal muscle.

This PhD position offers the opportunity to study, using both biophysical models and in vitro experiments, the close relationship between astrocytes and motor neurons (MN) in ALS. Developing models of this relationship is crucial to our understanding of the pathway toward MN death. In particular, studies have measured the glutamate level in the cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients. The biophysical model would explain whether this level of glutamate leads to a disruption in MN activity and eventual hyperexcitability and to determine the associated increase in post-synaptic neuron glutaminergic receptors. Results from the model will be verified in vitro.

The PhD candidate will be based at the Ulster University campus and work with colleagues within the CNET research group. The candidate will have an opportunity to learn new skills by developing biophysical models of the interactions between astrocyte brain cells and MN. The candidate will also be involved in in vitro studies so the experienced gained will be broad. Additionally the candidate will be supported by postdoctoral students and academic staff that have many years of experience in the relevant areas.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
  • A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Masters at 70%
  • For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

Recommended reading

1. Connolly, O.; Le Gall, L. Le; McCluskey, G.; Donaghy, C.G.; Duddy, W.J.; Duguez, S. A Systematic Review of Genotype–Phenotype Correlation across Cohorts Having Causal Mutations of Different Genes in ALS. J. Pers. Med. 2020, 10, 58, doi:10.3390/jpm10030058.

2. Chiò, A.; Logroscino, G.; Hardiman, O.; Swingler, R.; Mitchell, D.; Beghi, E.; Traynor, B.G.; On Behalf of the Eurals Consortium Prognostic factors in ALS: A critical review. Amyotroph. Lateral Scler. 2009, 10, 310–323, doi:10.3109/17482960802566824.

3. Talbott, E.O.; Malek, A.M.; Lacomis, D. The epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In Handbook of clinical neurology; 2016; Vol. 138, pp. 225–238.

4. del Aguila, M.A.; Longstreth, W.T.; McGuire, V.; Koepsell, T.D.; van Belle, G. Prognosis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population-based study. Neurology 2003, 60, 813–9, doi:10.1212/01.WNL.0000049472.47709.3B.

5. Le Gall, L.; Anakor, E.; Connolly, O.; Vijayakumar, U.; Duddy, W.; Duguez, S. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Affected in ALS. J. Pers. Med. 2020, 10, 101, doi:10.3390/jpm10030101.

6. Vijayakumar, U.G.; Milla, V.; Cynthia Stafford, M.Y.; Bjourson, A.J.; Duddy, W.; Duguez, S.M.-R. A Systematic Review of Suggested Molecular Strata, Biomarkers and Their Tissue Sources in ALS. Front. Neurol. 2019, 10, 400, doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00400.

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 7 February 2022
12:00AM

Interview Date
10 March 2022

Preferred student start date
mid September 2022

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Ms Bronac Flanagan

Other supervisors