Details
Polycytin-1 (PKD1) is the main causative gene for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) affecting every 1 in 400 to 1,000 people. ADPKD is characterised by progressive development of fluid-filled cysts in both kidneys and is the leading inheritable cause of end-stage renal disease. The disease is accompanied with cardiovascular abnormalities, including weakened and bulging areas of blood vessels called aneurysms, by mechanisms that are still not completely understood.
The PhD student will undertake a programme of study to elucidate the mechanisms by which vascular endothelial PKD1 regulates aneurysm development in ADPKD patients. To this aim, they will use in vitro (primary human endothelial cells) and ex vivo approaches (human and porcine arteries). The project will be carried out under the supervision of Dr Serbanovic-Canic and Prof. Sheila Francis (Division of Clinical Medicine) in a supportive and collaborative environment.
The student will obtain extensive experience in a range of cellular and molecular biology techniques, including primary cell culture, gene silencing, gene expression profiling, real-time PCR, Western blotting, histology, immunofluorescence staining and microscopy. Additionally, they will build a strong foundation of transferable skills essential for a wide variety of future careers.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must have a first or upper second class honours degree or significant research experience
Funding Notes
The scholarships cover UK Home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for students starting in October 2024), as well as a training and development allowance.
References
The Faculty of Health is offering a number of scholarships for the academic year 2024/5 for eligible students. This project is being considered for the Faculty, PGT>PGR and Underrepresented Student scholarship schemes. You do not need to apply more than once as your application will automatically be considered for all scholarships based on your eligibility criteria. Please see below for any additional requirements.
Students worldwide are welcome to apply but will need to fund the overseas fee difference of around £24,000 per year but will not be eligible for the Underrepresented Student scheme.
Additional requirements
PGT>PGR
We are accepting applications from current and past (who have graduated in 2022 & 2023) PGT students from the Faculty of Health.
Underrepresented Student
We are accepting applications for the University of Sheffield Research Scholarships for Black or Black British (of African or Caribbean heritage), Asian or Asian British (of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian heritage) or multiple ethnic background including one of the ethnicity groups listed above.
The University of Sheffield is committed to increasing opportunities in doctoral research for particular minoritised students who are currently under-represented in our postgraduate research student population.
Candidates will be required to complete a declaration form and upload it to their application. Applicants with overseas fee status are NOT eligible for these awards.
How to apply:
Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form available here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/applying. Candidates applying for the BAME scheme will be required to complete a declaration form and upload it to their application.
Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select ‘School of Medicine and Population Health: Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease’ as the department.