PhD Studentship - Mitochondria and Nuclear Positioning in Skeletal Muscle

Award Summary

Tuition fees (paid at the home rate) and an annual stipend of £18,622 (2023/2024 rate), with support for research costs. International candidates will be required to fund the difference between the home and international fees.

Overview

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated and talented individual to join our team. Our prior studies have revealed intriguing structural changes in patients with mitochondrial myopathy, a condition characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically, we have observed an increased presence of nanotunnels, which are double membrane connections between non-adjacent mitochondria. Additionally, preliminary data suggests that the organization of myonuclei, the nuclei found in muscle cells, is altered in individuals with mitochondrial myopathy. 

We have state-of-the-art Bioimaging and Electron Microscopy core facilities, staffed by highly skilled specialists, and renowned expertise in mitochondrial biology. We aim to leverage these exceptional resources to develop a cutting-edge methodology, Correlative Live Light and Electron Microscopy, for the study of mitochondria in cells and tissues. 

The main objectives: 

1. Characterize the positioning of myonuclei in relation to mitochondrial function in individual muscle fibers. 
2. Optimize and refine the CLEM methodology by integrating live fluorescent light microscopy with Transmission EM and 3D volume EM techniques. 
3. Develop efficient labeling techniques for a range of mitochondrial protein targets within this system. 
4. Conduct siRNA knockdown experiments targeting key regulators of mitochondrial dynamics and myonuclear positioning, and utilize the CLEM methodology to investigate their impact. 

This project will advance imaging methodologies, enabling future researchers at Newcastle to gain a deeper understanding of various biological processes and provide novel insights into the fundamental biology of mitochondria and its association with mitochondrial myopathy. 

If you are passionate about mitochondrial biology, advanced imaging techniques, and making significant contributions to scientific research, we encourage you to apply.  

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

September 2024

Award Duration

3 years

Application Closing Date

30th April 2024

Sponsor

Newcastle University (NUAcT)

Supervisors

Dr Amy Vincent

Eligibility Criteria

UG or Masters degree in relevant subject area 

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each subsection. International applicants may require an ATAS clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in 'Type of Study', ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2024’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8440F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Translational and Clinical Research (FT)’, and save selection. 

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘TC076’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project.  

Degree transcripts/certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification if completed must be uploaded.  

Please also send a copy of your CV/covering letter to amy.vincent@newcastle.ac.uk  

Contact Details

amy.vincent@ncl.ac.uk 

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