Applications are invited for a PhD studentship to work on a joint project between the group of Professor Sir David Klenerman in the Department of Chemistry and Cambridge Dementia Research Centre and Dr Florian Merkle at the Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science. The project is highly multi- disciplinary and would suit a student with a physical background (physics, chemistry, biophysics) who wants to apply biophysical methods to biomedical problems, or a student with a biological background (biochemistry, cell biology, neuroscience) who wants to learn cutting-edge biophysical methods. In both cases the student will receive training in the methods or the biology at the start of the project.
The proposed project will clarify how metabolic disease mechanistically contributes to neurodegenerative disease by revealing: (a) how diet alters protein aggregation and the development of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), (b) which tissues are most susceptible, and, (c) which proteins show the most aggregation. The project fits into the theme of multimorbidity and organ-organ interactions. The associated technologies may help enable early diagnosis, giving at-risk individuals more time to make lifestyle changes to potentially reduce their risk and adjust to living with dementia.
Full projects details are available in the Further Particulars.
Applicants must have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK upper second-class Master's degree in a relevant chemical or biological discipline. An interest in applying biophysical methods to biological problems is essential. The studentship will commence in October 2024 and will provide a maintenance grant at the UKRI national rate and tuition fees.
To apply, please submit an application through the University Applicant Portal: https: // www. postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcchpdpch for the course "PhD in Chemistry", naming Prof. Sir David Klenerman as potential supervisor.
For any queries about this studentship, please contact Prof. Klenerman by email at [email protected].
Please quote reference MA38788 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Further informationYusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry
ReferenceMA38788
CategoryStudentships
Published5 October 2023
Closing date30 November 2023