Phd Studentship: Molecular Determinants of - Cambridge, United Kingdom - University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Verified Company

Cambridge, United Kingdom

1 week ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Applications are invited for a 4 year PhD studentship, within the laboratory of Dr Miguel Martins at the MRC Toxicology Unit, commencing October 2023.

Project Outline
Mitochondria interact with other cellular organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at contact sites. Contact sites are discrete areas of organelles in proximity that coordinate critical physiological activities across membranes without fusing.

Mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCS) are known to underpin many important cellular homoeostatic functions, including mitochondrial quality control, lipid metabolism, calcium homoeostasis, the unfolded protein response and ER stress.

Alterations in MERCS are involved in neurodegenerative diseases as well as metabolic pathologies such as insulin resistance and diabetes.

We have conducted both genetic and chemical screenings for molecules that alter MERCS and identified several drugs, toxins and proteins that act by modulating MERCS.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Toxicology Unit is a leading International Research Institute within the School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge.

The Unit delivers mechanistic toxicology research, pursuing hypothesis-driven toxicological questions with a particular focus on the study of the causal links between exposure to endogenous and exogenous toxicants, molecular initiating events and adverse outcome pathways.

The Unit's overall aims are to carry out pioneering research which leads to improved health and to train and mentor the next generation of toxicologists.

Funding
Full funding covering Maintenance and the University Composition Fee (Home Fee rate) is provided Maintenance is currently £19,250.

This studentship is open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees.

**Application Process