PhD Study : Secretory vesicles in neurotoxicity: an in vivo exploration

Summary

Extracellular vesicles are tiny bubble-like structures secreted by multiple cell types including astrocytes, microglia and muscle. A number of studies suggest that vesicles may have a key role in the spread of elements that are toxic to neurons and other cell types. These neurotoxic contents may include various biomolecules, such as misfolded proteins or toxic aggregates.

The neuromuscular team at Ulster has studied the role of vesicles in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a devastating condition with an average age of onset at 55-70 years old, and a life expectancy of 2-5 years from the time of diagnosis. Diagnosis itself is difficult and time consuming, requiring numerous clinical assessments and taking up to 15 months to confirm. Current treatments are only minimally effective.

The neuromuscular team has found that the release of vesicles is abnormal in the muscles of ALS patients: vesicles from ALS patient muscle cells are toxic to motor neuron cells in the lab. Since these vesicles enter the bloodstream, they could have a key role in cell-cell communication. Muscle vesicles may prove useful as biomarkers and drug targets for a range of health conditions. Cross-talk between muscle and different types of cells is understudied, has general relevance to many hallmarks of both ageing and neuromuscular disorders, and may have important roles beyond.

The current project will use murine models to further explore the role in cell-cell communication of vesicles in ALS and in other neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders.

This PhD would be suitable for candidates with a background in a health or life sciences discipline or related subject (e.g. Personalised Medicine, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Medicine, Genetics, Biology, Biomedical Science, Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Science, Biochemistry)

Key skills required:

• Have a keen interest in neurodegenerative diseases and motor neuron diseases
• Willing to learn new skills and techniques
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to work as part of a large multidisciplinary team
• Willing to learn new skills and techniques, including laboratory techniques

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

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%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (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