[UK] Studentship at University of Nottingham

Studentship at University of Nottingham


University of Nottingham – School of Veterinary Medicine & Science
In Collaboration with the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition

Proteomic and Transcriptomic Studies of an Explant Model of Equine Articular Cartilage in Response to Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and Growth Factors

Supervisors: Dr Ali Mobasheri (School of Veterinary Medicine and Science), Professor Sean May (School of Biosciences), Dr David Allaway (WALTHAM)


Applications are invited from recent graduates with a first or upper second class degree and/or Masters degree in biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, biology or veterinary science to work on a BBSRC CASE studentship in collaboration with the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition.

Articular cartilage degradation is the major cause of synovial joint dysfunction and disability in osteoarthritis (OA) in humans and companion animals. We are currently using in vitro models of articular cartilage to investigate the effects of anti-inflammatory compounds on cell signalling pathways. The aim of this project is to use proteomics and transcriptomics to gain a better biological understanding of how pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors influence chondrocyte behaviour and extracellular matrix turnover in the early stages of the disease. This knowledge may also help identify early disease biomarkers. The work will provide invaluable experience as part of the PhD training programme and will include industrial supervision from WALTHAM, a sponsor with an outstanding reputation in companion animal research.

This is an ideal opportunity for an applicant with a keen and agile mind, wishing to integrate state-of-the-art post-genomic techniques to cartilage cell biology and joint pathophysiology. The candidate will be required to establish and maintain explant cultures of articular cartilage, expose them to a variety of biological mediators and apply a range of proteomic and transcriptomic techniques.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other PhD students in our research group working on cartilage biology and share their datasets for data-mining and bioinformatic studies. The ideal candidate should be enthusiastic, have good interpersonal skills, be confident working independently and as part of a team, have excellent organisational abilities and have a thorough appreciation of the importance of knowledge management and confidentiality.

The successful student will be registered for a PhD in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science and will be affiliated with the School of Biosciences.

This studentship is for a period of four years and is available immediately. It provides an annual tax-free postgraduate stipend starting at £13,290 per annum to basic science graduates, plus a maintenance enhancement from the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition. Home students holding a recognised veterinary qualification will be paid the enhanced stipend rate of £20,510 per annum as explained in the BBSRC Postgraduate Studentships Guide which is available on the BBSRC web site at: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/studentships/studentship_handbook.pdf.

Due to funding restrictions, the full studentship is only available to ‘Home’ students according to fee status, based on residence in the UK. This is in line with Research Council requirements. Any other applications will not be considered.

Informal enquires may be addressed to Dr A Mobasheri, Email: Ali.Mobasheri@Nottingham.ac.uk.

Applications should be addressed to Miss H Percival, Postgraduate Administrator, Email: Postgrad-vet@Nottingham.ac.uk.

Further details about how to apply for these studentships are also available at: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/postgraduate/admissions-process.php#online.

Please quote ref. MED/561. Closing Date: 31 October 2009.

For all our vacancies and more about working at the University of Nottingham see: http://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/.