Download Division of Brain Sciences Department of Medicine PhD studentship

Division of Brain Sciences
Department of Medicine
PhD studentship
Payment of Home/EU Fees and a stipend of £17,500 per annum for 3 years
The pathological hallmark Parkinson’s disease is the gradual loss of the
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the midbrain. The
root causes for degeneration of this inherently vulnerable neuronal population are for
the most part unknown and current therapeutic approaches fail to halt this process.
Mitochondrial dysfunction, including changes in the structural integrity of
mitochondria, disruption of energy metabolism and abnormal calcium (Ca2+)
buffering, has been extensively implicated in neurodegenerative disorders including
Parkinson’s disease. In recent years there has been growing evidence that such
dysfunctions are the causes for the gradual loss of specific population of neurons,
due to the failure in ATP production to match cellular energy requirements.
The goal of this exciting 3-year PhD studentship, starting in October 2013, is to
explore the mechanistic role of mitochondrial bioenergetics in survival, activity and
death of neurons under normal (physiological) as well as disease conditions. The
ultimate goal of this project is to slow down or halt the process of degeneration in
Parkinson’s disease by improving the metabolic efficiency of neurons.
We are seeking an enthusiastic graduate to join the Division of Brain Sciences,
working in the laboratory of Dr. Kambiz Alavian. Applicants must have a BSc degree
(upper
second
class
or
above)
or
equivalent
and/or
MSc
in
neuroscience/pharmacology or related discipline. Imperial College’s English
language requirements must also be met. Further details can be found at
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/admissions/pgenglish.
This studentship is open to both home/EU and overseas students. It
includes payment of home/EU fees and an annual stipend of £17,500.
Overseas students should be able to demonstrate adequate financial
support to cover the difference between the home/EU fee and the
overseas fee.
The position will be based in the Hammersmith Hospital Campus of Imperial College
in East Acton.
Enquiries and full applications, consisting of a full CV, supporting letter and the
contact details of two academic referees, should be sent to Dr. Kambiz Alavian,
[email protected].
Closing Date: 19 April 2013
Committed to equality and valuing diversity.