Investigating the roles of the Alzheimer's risk gene BIN1 in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress
To start: 1st October 2017
Award
1 fully funded Alzheimer’s Research UK studentship.
Project
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no cure or effective treatment. Recent data has highlighted the gene BIN1 as an important risk factor for development of AD, therefore understanding the molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of BIN1 on AD are therefore essential to understand and find novel therapeutic targets. Our preliminary data revealed that BIN1 may have a role in the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Up-regulation of the UPR has been described in several animal models of AD as well as post-mortem brain samples and is thought to contribute to the disease pathogenesis. This project will neurones to investigate the role of BIN1 in the unfolded protein response.
The student will acquire cutting-edge cell culture and molecular biology techniques and use start-of-the-art super resolution microscopy equipment in the Nikon Imaging Centre and Wohl Cellular Imaging centre.
Supervisors
Dr Elizabeth Glennon and Professor Chris Miller
Entry requirements
Applicants should have (or be expected to obtain) a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed project. If applicants already possess (or expect to obtain) a research-based MSc degree, a merit or distinction level is required.
Award type and eligibility
The award covers tuition fees and a competitive stipend.
How to apply
Applicants must complete and submit an online admissions application, via the admissions portal by midnight (23:59 GMT), Sunday 30th April 2017.
On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, please select ‘Research degrees’ and enter the keyword ‘Neuroscience’ before selecting the programme Neuroscience Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time).
In your application, you will be asked to include:
- Academic Transcripts – where applicable, academic transcripts must be submitted with the online admissions application
- Details of your qualifications (you will need to attach copies)
- Details of previous employment
- A personal statement describing your interests and why you wish to apply for this project. Please include this as an attachment rather than using the text box.
- Academic References – all admissions applications require two supporting references. If the applicant is relying on his/her referees to submit references directly to the College after he/she has submitted his/her admissions application, then the applicant must ensure that their chosen referees are made aware of the funding deadline.
In the Funding section, please tick box 5 and include the following reference: LGARUK2017
Please note there is no need to complete the Research Proposal section in your application as the project has already been set. Please add the reference to this in addition to the funding section however.
You are welcome to email Dr Elizabeth Glennon (supervisor) for more information regarding the project and studentship.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Research Administrator.
References must be received by the deadline for the applicant to be eligible.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: Sunday 30th April 2017 (23:59 GMT)
Interviews: TBC - May 2017.