PhD Studentship: First Stage Researcher: Measuring decline of neuronal function with age to develop new therapies for age-related disease - NERVSPAN project

We are pleased to announce a fully-funded PhD position within the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network “NERVSPAN”(https://www.excitingworms.eu/nervspan/index.php ).

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented candidate who holds a Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology to join our team and work on an exciting interdisciplinary research project that aims to characterize the molecular aspects of neuronal development and plasticity and function in the Nematode C. elegans.

Based just outside Durham in the UK, Magnitude Biosciences Ltd is a specialised Contract Research Organisation that supports drug discovery and produc development for global clients. We use C. elegans together with our innovative automated WormGazer™ technology to accelerate and de-risk product development for our clients, to help them identify innovative pharmaceutical ingredients, nutraceuticals, natural products, and probiotics, that could have a positive impact on healthy ageing.

Decline of neuronal function with age is a serious issue in human ageing and age-related diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The nematode worm C. elegans is a powerful whole organism model for fundamental neuronal function. It possesses the main neurotransmitters found in humans, and it has been shown that these neurotransmitters affect specific behaviours of the worm that can be measured.

This project aims to understand how these neuronal functions change with age, and how specific neurotransmitters are involved by researching, designing and validating novel behavioural assays using our automated WormGazer™ technology.

As a doctoral candidate within the NERVSPAN network, you will have the opportunity to work with leading academics and industrial partners from across Europe, gaining valuable experience in international collaboration and cutting-edge research. You will also benefit from a comprehensive training program that includes workshops, courses, and secondments, all aimed at enhancing your research and professional skills.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, including living allowances and mobility allowances, as well as the opportunity to work in a supportive, multidisciplinary research environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented and ambitious individual to develop their research skills, gain international experience, and enhance their career prospects.

International mobility: MSCA networks enable doctoral candidates to undertake their research in different countries, promoting international collaboration and increasing their exposure to diverse research environments and cultures. According to the MSCA rules applicants must not have lived in their prospective host lab’s country for more than 12 months in the past 3 years immediately prior to the Call deadline.

Funding: The program provides funding to support the research and training activities of doctoral candidates, including salary, living allowances, mobility allowances, and research expenses.

To apply, please send your CV, a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience, and the contact details of two referees to David Weinkove at david@magnitudebiosciences.com  and Denis Dupuy denis.dupuy@gmail.com