PhD Study : ​Computational Biophysical Modelling of Motor Neuron Disease

Summary

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of Motor Neuron Disease and is a fatal neurological disorder with death generally occurring within 2–4 years from disease onset, although 5–10% of ALS patients survive over 10 years. The progression of ALS is characterised by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons (MNs) in the brain and spinal cord, although the cause of MN cell death is not yet understood. Some hypotheses implicate adjacent non-neuronal cells, astrocytes, in their pathology. These cells are responsible for maintaining an ideal environment for the MNs, including removing excitotoxic neurotransmitters and ions from their surrounding space; failure to do this can contribute to neuronal oxidative stress and death. Furthermore, there are numerous different metabolic pathways connecting astrocytes and MNs, which are disturbed in ALS. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in MN death will better improve therapeutic targets and treatment of ALS.

Within this PhD, the candidate will explore several different disciplines including neuroscience, physics, and cell biology to develop a computational biophysical model which will help our understanding of the pathway to MN death in ALS. The candidate will consider the environment of the MN neurons, including glutamate pathways, surrounding astrocytes and the movement of ions, integral to proper neuronal function. The candidate will work closely with experimental neuroscientists to validate their model in vitro, to help further our understanding of the disease and offer insights into treatment development.

The PhD candidate will be based at the Magee campus of Ulster University, rated in the UK’s Top Ten Research Schools. They will be supported by a team of academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, and fellow PhD candidates within the ISRC, ranked 2nd for the Best PhD Experience. The candidate will have an opportunity to learn new skills in their development of computational models and in involvement in in vitro experiments, which will broaden their experience for their future career.

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
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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