PhD Studentship in Cell Biology - Discovering a New Muscular Dystrophy Mechanism Involving LPCAT3 and Ferroptosis
Join a groundbreaking research project exploring muscular dystrophy mechanisms.
Best for:Best for candidates with a strong background in molecular biology and a passion for genetic research.
Overview
This PhD studentship focuses on understanding the pathomechanisms of muscle conditions, specifically how the LPCAT3 gene affects cell membranes and contributes to muscular dystrophy. The project aims to investigate the relationship between LPCAT3 variants and ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death linked to oxidative stress. The successful candidate will engage in human genomics, clinical research, and experimental disease modeling, contributing to the identification of new therapeutic targets. This opportunity offers interdisciplinary training in various advanced research techniques.
What you'll do
- Analyze over 10,000 exomes to identify individuals with potentially pathogenic LPCAT3 variants.
- Establish the clinical and histopathological spectrum of LPCAT3-related muscle diseases.
- Validate candidate variants through targeted RNA and molecular studies.
- Generate cellular models using patient-derived and/or CRISPR-engineered techniques.
- Investigate the impact of LPCAT3 dysfunction on phospholipid composition and oxidative stress.
- Utilize transcriptomic and metabolic data to uncover potential disease pathways.
Requirements
Degree required: 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a relevant field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills) or equivalent
Instruction: English
- Strong research training in molecular biology or related fields
- Experience with genomic analysis techniques
- Familiarity with cell culture and CRISPR methodologies
- Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research
- Open to UK and international students
- Must hold a relevant undergraduate degree
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-16
Applications must be submitted through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. Select 'Postgraduate Research' as the type of study and 'Full Time' as the mode of study. Enter the relevant course code and submit your personal statement along with any additional documents.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Personal statement
Contact
Ana Töpf· Supervisor
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