PhD Study : Investigating the interplay between selenium and methymercury in pregnancy: impact on maternal and child health

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. Our studies have shown that the nutritional benefits of consuming high amounts of fish during pregnancy outweigh any negative neurotoxic effects of contaminants (1) . These findings have been used to inform global nutrition guidelines regarding fish consumption during pregnancy. Fish is rich in nutrients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, iodine and selenium which are essential for optimal neurodevelopment, immune function and fetal growth (2,3).

To date we have not fully investigated the role of selenium in pregnancy and child development. Selenium-dependent enzymes (selenoenzymes) are believed to interact with MeHg and affect antioxidant pathways (4,5). This complex relationship between selenium and other nutrients and MeHg and the subsequent impact on neurodevelopment and other health outcomes 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 and various other child health outcomes.

The aim of this project is to investigate the complex relationship between selenium and other nutrients and MeHg and the subsequent impact on maternal and child health outcomes including neurodevelopment, birth outcomes and development of asthma and allergy, with a focus on the antioxidant and immune pathways as mechanisms. 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 Seychellois fish will be incorporated into NC2 dietary databases for analysis.

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. Measure selenium biomarkers (status and functional) and SNPs in genes regulating selenium metabolism in maternal and cord samples.
3. Assess associations between selenium biomarkers, antioxidant and inflammatory measures.
4. Investigate associations between selenium biomarkers and maternal and child health outcomes, controlling for relevant covariates such as MeHg.

The PhD researcher appointed to this project will be given opportunities to maximise on training by participating in relevant workshops and 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 Karolinska Institutet, Sweden) and may have the opportunity to benefit from additional off-site training for specific laboratory techniques. The PhD researcher will be encouraged to prepare and present their research findings at national and international conferences.

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
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• 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