PhD Studentship in Neurotoxicity of Insecticides - Effects of Insecticides on Brain Activity

Supervisors:

Dr. Evangelos Delivopoulos (UoR supervisor)

Dr. Penelope Fouka (Syngenta supervisor)

Overview

This project is an exciting new collaboration between the University of Reading and Syngenta Group, to investigate the mammalian toxicity of insecticides and understand their effects on the brain. This work furthers our understanding on how chemicals can cause toxicity in the brain. The tools and pipelines used in this PhD will be adapted in the development of new chemicals that amplify agricultural production while keeping consumers safe.

We will use brain slices and neuronal cultures, as models of the brain and we will conduct electrophysiological recordings, using Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) to examine how evoked and spontaneous activity in neural networks is affected when insecticides are applied. We will also characterize gene and protein expression in the models, via PCR and immunohistochemistry and compare to untreated control models.

Training and opportunities

The project offers excellent opportunities for training and development. You will develop skills such as taking microtome sections of the brain, using MEAs and performing PCR, immunohistochemistry, and patch-clamp recordings. You will also develop skills and experience in advanced data analysis and writing for scientific publication. During the project you will work very closely with Syngenta, giving you opportunities to build your professional network with leading industry experts.

Neural Models Group:

Our group uses models of the central nervous system to understand the brain and treat pathologies. We use stem cells, brain slices and primary cells to engineer neural networks that are examined under different conditions, and characterized using electrophysiology, PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Syngenta:

Syngenta Group is a leading sustainable agricultural innovation and technology company harnessing the diversity of our teams and expertise in more than 100 countries to deliver the broadest range of products and services for the benefit of farmers, society and our planet. We accelerate innovation and invest to advance a sustainable agriculture, good for nature, farmers and society. Syngenta has the most productive R&D in the industry, driven by breakthrough ideas from our own people and many partners. We invest substantially in R&D, and collaborate with growers, academia, NGOs, businesses and governments to address the needs of nature, farmers and consumers.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good degree (minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent) in Neuropharmacology/Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience or Cybernetics. Candidates from strongly-related disciplines will be considered. Applicants will need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. Committed to improving diversity in science and engineering, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is open to UK/Republic of Ireland candidates. Where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria.

Applications:

Email cover letter and CV to Dr Evangelos Delivopoulos

An online application for a PhD in Biomedical Engineering must also be submitted at: www.reading.ac.uk/pgapply quoting reference GS23-014 in the “Scholarships applied for” box, under the Funding section.

Please omit the “research proposal” when prompted, as the project is already defined.

Enquiries:

Dr. Evangelos Delivopoulos: e.delivopoulos@reading.ac.uk

Dr. Penelope Fouka: penelope.fouka@syngenta.com

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