This 4-year PhD studentship is fully funded by Muscular Dystrophy UK, and focuses on the muscular disease IBMPFD, aka VCP disease. You will explore mechanisms of muscle weakening, gain expertise in cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, and contribute to discoveries shaping therapeutic strategies for this rare degenerative condition.
Details of the Project
This project focuses on the muscular disease Inclusion Body Myositis associated with Paget’s disease of the bone and Frontotemporal Dementia (IBMPFD), also known as VCP disease. Approximately 50-180 people, in every million, suffer with this disease in the UK, with more than 90% of patients experiencing muscle weakening by their early 40s. The majority of IBMPFD cases (>99%) are caused by mutations in the VCP/p97 gene and the aim of this research is to understand how such mutations lead to muscle weakening.
Specifically, we will seek to understand whether IBMPFD-associated VCP/p97 mutations lead to defects in DNA replication (Aim One) or the structure of the nuclear membrane (Aim Two) and whether such alterations in nuclear membrane structure affect the positioning of myonuclei within maturing muscle fibres (Aim Three). This research will deepen our understanding of IBMPFD and will hopefully lead to the development of a treatment, as there are currently no treatments available.
This is an exciting interdisciplinary project which would suit someone with a biological background who is keen to apply fundamental research to solve real world challenges. The techniques used are broad and include immunofluorescent microscopy, DNA fibres, western blotting, co-polymer solubilisation (e.g. SMA2000), mass spectrometry and cell differentiation. Full training in such techniques will be provided by Dr Rebecca Jones and co-supervisors Dr Ivana Milic and Dr Alice Rothnie, but prior knowledge/experience in some of these is desirable.
As a member of the College of Health and Life Sciences and the Aston Graduate School, you will be part of a multidisciplinary and supportive environment, which provides career support, fosters student wellbeing and provides many opportunities to undertake professional development courses including the development of teaching experience. Finally, during the studentship, you will have the opportunity to participate in at least one Muscular Dystrophy UK event and engage with patients or members of the charity to showcase your research
Location
This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly.
Person Specification
Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:
a] a First or Upper Second Class award in their Undergraduate Degree (Bachelors or UG Masters) from a UK institution, in a subject judged by Aston to be relevant to the proposed research.
OR
b] a Merit (or above)* in a Postgraduate Masters degree in a relevant subject AND an Undergraduate Degree (Bachelors or UG Masters), both from UK institutions.
*where appropriate.
Qualifications from overseas institutions will be also considered but performance must be equivalent to that described above, and the University reserves the right to ascertain this equivalence according to its own criteria.
The applicant must have a background in biological/biochemical sciences and demonstrate a keen enthusiasm towards the project. Finally, experience of cell culture, immunofluorescent microscopy, cell differentiation and/or mass spectrometry would be advantageous. This would suit a student with an interest in cell biological processes and translational research.
Contact information
For formal enquiries about this project, contact Rebecca Jones at r.jones23@aston.ac.uk.
Submitting an application
We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include:
1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history.
5. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.
Interviews
Interviews will take place in person, unless an online interview is reasonably requested.
Apply for this position here
Alternatively, apply here
Please select “Research - Biomedical Sciences” from the application form options.
If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk
