This opportunity is now closed.
Funded PhD Opportunity
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes has had a profound negative impact on female reproductive health. Increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with ovulatory subfertility and anovulatory infertility. A large proportion of infertile women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is also linked to increased risk of diabetes, obesity and other metabolic anomalies. The association between obesity and/or PCOS and hyperinsulinaemia, hyperandrogenism and abnormal hormone secretion, underlies many reproductive disorders.
Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis for a key role for derangements in gut hormones in both the metabolic and fertility disturbances associated with obesity and diabetes. Research on involvement of gut hormones in reproductive function is scant, although gut hormone receptors and/or actions have been demonstrated on pituitary, adrenal cortex, gonads and CNS.
The proposed project seeks to assess the direct effects of GLP-1, PYY, ghrelin and GIP on pituitary cells, and effects of GIP on steroidogenesis on adrenal cortical cells.
Core aims of the proposed research are:
*Using a pituitary cell line, the direct effects of GLP-1, PYY and ghrelin will be assessed in vitro.
*Immunocytochemical staining for GLP-1, NPY, GIP and ghrelin receptors will verify their presence on the cells.
*LH and FSH will be measured to assess the effects of gut hormones on gonadotropes.
* In vitro studies using human adrenal corticocarcinoma NCI-H295R cells will be carried out to assess the effects of GIP on steroidogenesis in the adrenals.
*Using ELISA, cortisol, testosterone, estradiol and DHT will be measured to assess the effects of GIP on steroid production.
*Using RT-PCR and Western blotting, the expression of several genes involved in steroid production and GIP receptors will be quantitatively analysed.
*Immunocytochemical staining for GIP receptors will further demonstrate their presence in NCI-H295R cells.
*In vivo studies will be conducted to investigate the effects of these peptides on metabolic function, oestrus cycling and reproductive function in animal models of obesity and infertility.
This project will provide excellent training in a wide range of state-of-the-art research techniques. We are seeking an applicant with good practical laboratory, computer and communication skills and enthusiasm and commitment to work diligently on all aspects of the research project. A background in biomedical, biological sciences, nutrition, pharmacology or a related subject would be desirable.
This is one of three top priority projects for Ulster’s Diabetes Research Group. The proposed work (ring-fenced studentship) is part of a programme of research carried out by Dr Moffett’s team funded by a major grant from Diabetes UK. Informal enquiries to cr.moffett@ulster.ac.uk are welcomed.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University offers the following awards to support PhD study and applications are invited from UK, EU and overseas for the following levels of support:
Full award (full-time PhD fees + DfE level of maintenance grant + RTSG for 3 years).
This scholarship will cover full-time PhD tuition fees and provide the recipient with £15,000 maintenance grant 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 studentship grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
Part award (full-time PhD fees + 50% DfE level of maintenance grant + RTSG for 3 years).
This scholarship will cover full-time PhD tuition fees and provide the recipient with £7,500 maintenance grant 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 studentship grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
Fees only award (PhD fees + RTSG for 3 years).
This scholarship will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training studentship grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £ 15,009 per annum for three years. EU applicants will only be eligible for the fee’s component of the studentship (no maintenance award is provided). For Non-EU nationals the candidate must be "settled" in the UK. This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training studentship grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies; for further information on cost of living etc. please refer to: www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/postgraduate-research/fees-and-funding/financing-your-studies
My experience has been great and the people that I have worked with have been amazing
Kieran O'Donnell - 3D printing of biological cells for tissue engineering applications
Watch VideoCompleting the MRes provided me with a lot of different skills, particularly in research methods and lab skills.
Michelle Clements Clements - MRes - Life and Health Sciences
Watch VideoThroughout my PhD I’ve been provided with continuous support and guidance by my supervisors and the staff at the University.I’ve also received many opportunities to further enhance my professional development in the form of teaching experience and presenting my work at conferences which will aid in my pursuit of a career in academia or industry.
William Crowe
Submission deadline
Monday 18 February 2019
Interview Date
w/c 11, 18 and 25th March 2019
Coleraine campus
Our coastal and riverside campus focussing on science and health
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Closing date:
Tuesday 1 September 2020
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Closing date:
Tuesday 1 September 2020
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Closing date:
Wednesday 1 January 2020
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Closing date:
Tuesday 1 September 2020
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Closing date:
Tuesday 1 September 2020
Subject: Biomedical Sciences