PhD Studentship: Hypoxia Signalling Pathway in Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Tuition fees covered fully for UK students for 3 years. Stipend value: £ 19,919, £21,542, £23,298

This post funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) represents an exciting opportunity for an individual to undertake a PhD study to elucidate hypoxia signalling pathways in vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) pathogenesis. VCI arises from cardiovascular risk factors. It is thought that reduced blood supply to the brain initiates early endothelial responses that eventually cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. The brain has an endogenous protective system to cope with reduced blood flow and oxygen -- the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway. HIF, a master regulator of hypoxic responses in the body, induces several mechanistic pathways have protective roles in cardiovascular diseases. Similar mechanisms likely impact cerebrovascular diseases. The aim of this project is to extend our understanding of the mechanisms by which HIF is protective, and to apply this knowledge towards understanding VCI pathogenesis. We will firstly characterize mechanisms of HIF protection via FG4592 in primary mouse neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, as well as a tri-cellular culture. Subsequently, we will evaluate the effects of FG4592 in a mouse model that recapitulates features of VCI. The knowledge obtained will be used to understand HIF mechanisms relevant to VCI pathogenesis and will further validate the translation of an early pharmacological treatment.

The ideal candidate should have a solid background in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Cell biology, or Biochemistry with strong multidisciplinary interests. The student must be educated to at least a bachelor’s level with a 2:1 classification with evidence of 1st class work. Students with additional experience, for example in the form of a master’s degree, peer-reviewed publications are very much encouraged to apply. The student will have access to computing resources at Keele University.

Keele University values equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience.  With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 12,500 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research.  Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the Keele University online application system by clicking the link below:

https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/researchareas/pharmacology/

Select ‘Apply for a PhD’ in the upper right-hand corner of the page, and include the following: 

• a curriculum vitae
• a letter (one page) outlining their interest in and qualification for the studentship
• transcripts of undergraduate and Masters qualifications
• two academic references, which the candidate should request the referee to send.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Ruoli Chen ([email protected] ) or Dr Tracy Farr ([email protected] )

Closing Date: 15 March 2023

Interviews will be held on: Late March or early April 2023