PhD Studentship: Medical Studies: How Does NEDD4-2 Support Dopaminergic Neuron Maintenance?

DoS: Professor Edgar Kramer (Edgar.kramer@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 0 1752 5 83204)

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Eve Kelland (eve.kelland@plymouth.ac.uk) 

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship available at Professor Edgar Kramers’ group, Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth, UK. 

This full-time studentship will start on 01 October 2023. 

Project Description 

Currently the molecular cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is not completely understood and no therapy is available to stop the disease progression. Accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein has been observed in many PD patients and can lead to severe midbrain dopaminergic neuron death. 

NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 are two related E3 ubiquitin protein ligases present in dopaminergic neurons that seem to be important to promote α-synuclein degradation and dopaminergic neuron maintenance. 

This project will investigate NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 expression and function in human dopaminergic neurons in culture and brain sections under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We will search for NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 substrates and regulatory mechanisms which explain their function in dopaminergic neurons and might lead to new treatment options for PD. 

Eligibility 

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification and extended laboratory research experience. We are looking for a candidate with experience in cell culture, stem cells, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, protein purification and/or confocal imaging. Experience in using human tissue is advantageous. A high interest in neurodegenerative diseases and neuroscience is a must as well as excellent communication skills inside the research team and community. 

The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home (UK) only tuition fees plus a stipend of £18,109 per annum (2023/24 rate, to be confirmed). The fourth of the four-year registration period is a self-funded “writing-up” year. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. International applicants (non-UK nationals) must be able to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates (approximately £12,697 per annum 2023/24 rate). International students must also have an English language IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 5.5 in any element, and might require a visa. 

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Professor Kramer by email, edgar.kramer@plymouth.ac.uk 

To apply for this position please visit here. 

Please clearly state the name of the DoS and the studentship title that you are applying for on the top of your personal statement. 

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application. 

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our How to Apply for a Research Degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College Admissions team. 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 31^st May 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview before 30^th June 2023. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.  Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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