PhD Study : Investigation of the modifying effects of selenium in the relationship between methylmercury and child development

Apply and key information  

Summary

The Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) is a multi-cohort longitudinal observational study investigating the effects of prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure on child development in a high-fish eating population.  We have shown that the nutritional benefits of consuming high amounts of fish during pregnancy outweigh any negative neurotoxic effects of MeHg1 and these findings have been used to inform global nutrition guidelines regarding fish consumption during pregnancy.  Fish is a source of the neurotoxicant MeHg but is also rich in nutrients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), vitamin D, iodine and selenium which are essential for optimal neurodevelopment.  MeHg is a highly specific, irreversible inhibitor of selenium-dependent enzymes, however selenium is also believed to play a role in the detoxification of MeHg2,3.  This relationship between selenium and MeHg and the impact on neurodevelopment in human studies requires further investigation. The largest most recent cohort of the SCDS, Nutrition Cohort 2 (NC2), consists of 1535 mother-child pairs in which biological samples (including hair and blood), dietary and demographic data have been collected from the mothers during pregnancy.  Biological samples have been collected from the children at birth in addition to neurodevelopmental testing at 20 months and 7 years of age.

The aim of this project is to investigate the modifying effects of selenium in the relationship between methylmercury and child development in the SCDS NC2. This project will involve working with existing data from the SCDS NC2, carrying out additional laboratory analysis of maternal and cord samples from NC2 for selenium biomarkers and genetic factors relating to selenium metabolism.  In addition, data collected by the Seychelles Fishing Authority on nutrient and contaminant concentrations of Seychelles fish will be incorporated into the NC2 dietary database.

This PhD will:

1. Estimate the dietary selenium and mercury intakes of Seychellois pregnant women using nutrient and contaminant data collected by the Seychelles Fishing Authority in conjugation with dietary data collected as part of the SCDS.

2. Use historical data collected by the Seychelles Fishing Authority to investigate the impact of environmental changes on nutrient content of Seychelles fish and carry out statistical modelling to estimate the impact on dietary intakes.

3. Measure selenium biomarkers and SNPs in genes regulating selenium metabolism in maternal and cord samples from SCDS NC2.

4. Investigate the potential modifying effect of selenium on associations between methylmercury and child neurodevelopmental outcomes in SCDS NC2.

The PhD researcher appointed to this project will be given every opportunity to maximise on training by participating in relevant workshops, specialist skills sessions, relevant online courses, PhD researcher initiatives and personal development activities organised by the Doctoral College.  In addition, the researcher will work closely with all international partners of the Seychelles Child Development Study (University of Rochester, USA; Ministry of Health, Republic of Seychelles and Lund University, Sweden) and may have the opportunity to benefit from additional off-site training for specific laboratory techniques.  The PhD researcher will be expected and strongly encouraged to prepare and present their research findings when appropriate at national and international conferences.

References

1. Strain JJ et al., Prenatal exposure to methyl mercury from fish consumption and polyunsaturated fatty acids: associations with child development at 20 months of age in an observational study in the Republic of Seychelles. Am J Clin Nutr, 101(3), 530-537, 2015.

2. Kuras et al., Revision of reciprocal action of mercury and selenium.  Int J Occup Med Environ Health, 31(5), 575-592, 2018.

3. Ralston NVC & Raymond LJ. Dietary selenium’s protective effects against methylmercury toxicity.  Toxicology, 278(1), 112-123, 2010.

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.

  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

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.

  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
  • Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
9 to 20 March 2020

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2020

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Maria Mulhern

Other supervisors

  • Dr Alison Yeates
  • Professor Emeir McSorley
  • Professor JJ Strain - Principle Investigator of the Seychelles Child Development Study at Ulster University Dr Edwin van Wijngaarden - Principle Investigator of the Seychelles Child Development Study at University of Rochester