PhD Studentship: Identification and Characterisation of Novel Therapeutics to Treat Cognitive Dysfunction Associated with Schizophrenia

Project Supervisors:

Dr Samantha McLean, Dr Sriharsha Kantamneni

Project Description:

WHO recognises mental health as a critical component of public health. Impairments in cognition are commonly observed in mental health and neurodegenerative conditions and cognitive dysfunction is now recognised as a core feature of schizophrenia. 

Current treatment options for cognitive dysfunction are limited due to lack of understanding of the causes. However, one of the main causes is known to be mediated by disrupted communication among brain cells involving glutamate receptors.

This multidisciplinary project will use various laboratory techniques including:

• dose-response pharmacological assays
• dispersed primary neuronal cultures
• lenti-virus mediated gene manipulation in neurons and animal models
• cognition and behavioural analysis using in vivo models
• biochemical methods to determine neuronal receptor’s function

The project supervision will also be provided through an exciting collaboration with Haiku Therapeutics (who will supply novel compounds) and mentorship through Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT).

Positive Action Statement:

At the University of Bradford (UoB) our vision is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity, where people want to, and can, make a difference. We place equality and diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to social mobility at the centre of our mission and ethos. In working to make a difference we are committed to addressing systemic inequality and disadvantages experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff and students.

Eligibility:

We recognise the importance and the benefits to research quality that come from diverse perspectives, and from belonging to a diverse research community.  Therefore, as part of our Brad-ATTAIN initiative to increase diversity and inclusion among our PGR community, The UoB is offering fully funded PhD studentships open to candidates who self-identify as being from a BAME background and have UK ‘home’ student status.

Under sections 158-159 of the Equality Act 2010, positive action can be taken where members of protected groups are under-represented. At Bradford our data show that people from BAME groups who are UK nationals are significantly under-represented at postgraduate researcher level. This initiative offers targeted support for these students.

These are lawful measures designed to address systemic and structural issues which result in under-representation of BAME students in PGR study.

The successful applicant will hold a minimum of an upper-class honours degree. A Master’s degree is desirable. The project may suit graduates with backgrounds in pharmacology, neuroscience or from biological science discipline.

This studentship is available on a full- (3 years) or part-time (6 years) basis to candidates that can commence in June 2023. The applicants should use the 'proposal' section of the application to elaborate on:

• Why this research is important.
• How they would conduct it.
• What skills they have to offer to the research.

Funding notes:

The scholarship includes tuition fees, plus UKRI-aligned stipend, equating to £17,668 per year tax-free (fulltime equivalent in 2022/23) and ongoing support through coaching, mentoring and advocacy. The award is for UK residents and those settled in the UK only.

Enquiries email name and address:  

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the research supervisors for the project before applying, or for informal enquiries - please contact Dr Samantha McLean (s.l.mclean@bradford.ac.uk)

How to apply:

Potential candidates should apply directly online through the online application portal.

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