PhD Studentship â Ups and downs of NMDA receptor phosphorylation: relevance for synaptic function in Alzheimerâs Disease. (974918BJ)

PhD Supervisor: Dr. Mariana Vargas-Caballero     co supervisor: Dr. Katrin Deinhardt

Application Deadline: 2nd of March

Interviews will be held in 14th of March

PhD Description:  

A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can help develop effective therapies. A current therapeutic target in AD is the protein Fyn: Human and rodent studies show that Fyn is overactivated in AD damaging the health of brain cells and their connections and ongoing clinical trials aim to clamp down Fyn activation. 

In this project, through the use of electrophysiological and biochemical methods you will analyse the effects of chronic suppression of Fyn activity in mice expressing normal human tau protein and in mice with impaired synaptic transmission and defective memory caused by brain Aβ accumulation. 

The results from this work will either add confidence towards the use of Fyn inhibitors as therapy for AD, or alternative, this work will be able to highlight key issues of chronic Fyn inhibition to feed into future pre-clinical and clinical development of Fyn-related drugs.

The project is funded for 3 years and welcomes applicants from the UK and EU who have or expect to obtain at least an upper second class degree in Biological Sciences or allied subjects. Funding will cover fees and a stipend at current research council rates of £ 14,777 per annum for 2018/19. 

Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK/EU applicants

Applications for an MPhil/PhD in Biological Sciences should be submitted online at:

https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=4973&majr=4973&term=201819  Please place Dr. Mariana Vargas-Caballero name in the field for proposed supervisor.

A personal statement (1 page) and CV (2 pages) also should be sent directly to m.vargas-caballero@soton.ac.uk.

Any queries on the application process should be made to pgafnes@soton.ac.uk

The University of Southampton and Biological Sciences both hold an Athena Swan Silver & Bronze Award, respectively, demonstrating their commitment to provide equal opportunities and to advance the representation of women in STEM/M subjects: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.   Due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break.  University benefits include onsite childcare facilities, state-of-the-art on-campus sports, arts and culture facilities, a full programme of events and a range of staff discounts.

Closing Date: 28 Feb 2018
Post Type: PhD Studentship (Funded)