PhD Studentship: How do NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 support dopaminergic and cortical neuron maintenance?

How do NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 support dopaminergic and cortical neuron maintenance?

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

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

3^rd Supervisor: TBC

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

This full-time studentship will start on 1 October 2025.

Project Description

Currently the molecular causes of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are not completely understood and no therapy is available to stop disease progression. Accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein has been observed in many PD and DLB patients and can lead to severe midbrain dopaminergic and/or cortical neuron death.

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

This project will investigate NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 expression and function in human stem cells and dopaminergic neurons in culture as well as in human and mouse 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 and cortical neurons and might lead to new treatment options for PD and DLB.

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 £19,215 per annum (2025/26 rate). 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 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 Dr Kramer by email: edgar.kramer@plymouth.ac.uk

How to apply

To apply, please select the ‘Apply’ link above.

Please see our apply for a postgraduate research programme page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College. Applications will not be considered if information is missing.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 31 August 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview before 15 September 2025. 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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