Basic Neuroscience PhD Studentship - University of Sheffield

Closing Date
2 Aug 2019
Salary
£15,500-£17,000
Address
Sheffield Neuroscience Institute
Duration
3.5-year

Project Description

Applications are being invited for a 3.5-year Basic Neuroscience PhD Studentship, starting in October 2019. 
The successful candidate will join an established training programme in the Sheffield Neuroscience Institute (www.sheffield.ac.uk/neuroscience-institute) in the laboratories of Dr Kurt De Vos and Dr Elizabeth Seward. 

Dysregulation of calcium homeostasis is a major toxic mechanism in many neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The causes of calcium dysregulation are not properly understood but may involve deregulation of mitochondrial calcium handling and calcium entry into cells. 

In this project we will investigate the interplay between ER/mitochondria contacts and store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and how its dysregulation may trigger perturbation of intracellular calcium signalling in neurons and glia and cause disruptions of axonal transport and synaptic function. 
 

Funding

Tuition fees and stipend at Home/EU level. Overseas students may apply but will need to fund the difference in tuition fees between the Home and Overseas rate from another source. 

Salary/stipend rate: £15,500-£17,000 
 

Entry Requirements

• A first class or upper second class honours degree in a biological sciences subject or a related discipline, including physics and computational methods, or a Merit or distinction in a suitable MSc. Experience working in a research laboratory and/or microscopy and image analysis is highly desirable. 
• Excellent communication skills in English (speaking and writing). 
• Ability to work independently and within a team 
• Highly motivated with a commitment to conduct high quality research 
• Excellent time management skills 
• Experience in cell culture is desirable. 
• Experience in immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry is desirable. 
 

How to apply

Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form available clicking here.
Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select (department name) as the department.

Contact Details

Interested candidates should in the first instance contact Kurt De Vos (k.de_vos@sheffield.ac.uk) or Elizabeth Seward (e.p.seward@sheffield.ac.uk)