Funding and Finance

MRes/PhD Studentship - Determining The Nature, Mechanisms And Potential Therapies For The Neurological Deficits In Patients With Mitochondrial DNA Disease

  • Reference Code: IA058

Details:

Name of the supervisor(s)

Professor RN Lightowlers, Institute for Cell and Molecular Bioscience also Institute for Ageing and Health (IAH)

Professor RW Taylor, IAH

Professor DM Turnbull, IAH

Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research

Sponsor
Newcastle University, Faculty of Medical Sciences

Duration of the award
4 year integrated MRes/PhD or 3 year PhD if applicant has a suitable Masters Degree approved by Newcastle University.

Project description
The WellcomeTrust awarded 4.4 million to the Mitochondrial Research Group at Newcastle University to establish a world-leading centre dedicated to the biology of mitochondria in health and disease  This Centre brings together ground-breaking laboratory studies with clinical research to understand the fundamental mechanisms and genetics of mitochondrial function.

Mitochondrial dysfunction can cause multisystem disease and is linked to common degenerative disorders. Major scientific and technological advances mean that we are strategically poised to improve the lives of patients with mitochondrial disease. To achieve this we will integrate basic and clinical research and are offering a MRes/PhD scholarship ‘
Understanding the nature, mechanisms and treatment of neurology deficits in patients with mitochondrial DNA disease’. This project will be supervised by Professors Turnbull, R.N. Lightowlers and R.W. Taylor.

Value of the Award and Eligibility
The award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend in line with Research Council rate (currently £13,590). International students are eligible to apply but the award will only cover the tuition fees at the UK/EU rate.

Person Specification
Candidates must have a BSc (Hons) in an appropriate scientific speciality at either a first or 2:1 level or a Masters degree (Merit or Distinction) in a relevant subject.

How to Apply 
You must complete the University’s online postgraduate application form. Select ‘Master of Research/Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) –Mitochondrial Biology as the programme of study inserting the reference number IA058. Only mandatory fields need to be completed but in the personal statement section quote reference number IA058 and indicate which subject area you are applying to and how your interests and experience relate to this. You must also attach a copy of the transcript from your current course in addition to a CV and a covering letter.

Closing date for applications 
Prompt application is advised as this post is only available until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Further Information
For further details, please contact:
Helen Atkinson
Administrator
E-mail: Helen.atkinson@newcastle.ac.uk 
Tel: +44 (0) 191 222 3009