PhD Studentship: Characterising the functional and transcriptomic differences between the inner and outer layers of human myometrium; towards understanding their roles in uterine pathophysiology and developing next generation therapies

This project provides an annual stipend of £19,237. 

Project advert

We are seeking a highly motivated student for a fully funded PhD studentship to delve into the critical role of uterine smooth muscle (myometrium) contractions, essential for reproductive processes including sperm transport, menstruation, and childbirth, and contribute to ground breaking research in reproductive health.

The myometrium consists of three layers: inner (IM), outer (OM), and middle. The IM’s hormone-dependent contractions are crucial during the menstrual cycle, while the OM’s contractions are typically associated with labour. However, aberrant IM contractions can lead to benign gynaecological disorders such as adenomyosis, causing heavy menstrual bleeding, anaemia, pelvic pain, and infertility, affecting millions of women globally.

Neither IM nor OM has been deeply characterized at the cellular level. There is an urgent need for fertility-sparing treatments for these disorders. We aim to develop innovative strategies to treat and manage symptoms while preserving fertility.

Project aims and objectives

The aim of this 3-year PhD project is to deeply characterise the functional and transcriptomic differences between the inner and outer layers of human myometrium in different physiological states (non-pregnant, pregnant and adenomyotic), to elucidate the mechanisms that contribute to uterine disorders such as adenomyosis and guide the development of next generation therapies.  

The following broad objectives will be addressed:

• To characterise the regional differences in contraction and calcium signalling the human myometrium in different physiological states. 
• To characterise the inner and outer human myometrial transcriptome in different physiological states.
• To determine how the inner and outer myometrium contribute to uterine pathophysiology and infertility.
• Identify novel therapeutic targets to develop new fertility-sparing treatments.  

Specific requirements of the candidate

Talented and motivated students, passionate about doing research and advancing women’s health, are invited to apply for this 3-year PhD studentship.  The successful applicant will have a strong background in biological science and expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 Honuors degree in a relevant discipline such as physiology, pharmacology, biomedical science, cell and/or molecular biology. 

Experience in organ bath experiments with isolated tissues, qPCR, protein detection or bioinformatics would be an advantage, but all training will be provided. 

The student will be expected to travel to perform some aspects of this project in the Centre for Women’s Health Research laboratories at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Sarah Arrowsmith (s.arrowsmith@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion prior to applying.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in reproductive physiology (or download the PGR application form which includes your academic CV and personal statement). In the personal statement section of the form and Narrative CV, please explain why you would like this opportunity, detail any relevant experience, and demonstrate how the skills you have map to the area of research.

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date: 14 October 2024. Expected start date: January 2025 for Home students and April 2025 for International students. 

Please quote the reference: SciEng-2024-Human-Myometrium

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