To celebrate the University’s research successes, the University of Hull is offering one full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship (or International Fees Bursary) for candidates applying for the above project

Closing date: – 3^rd February 2014.
Studentships will start on 29^th September 2014

Supervisors: Dr. Antonios Matsakas (primary), and Prof. Sean Carroll, email: A.Matsakas@hull.ac.uk, Department of Sport Health & Exercise Science, University of Hull
Prof. Ian Chetter, co-supervisor, email: Ian.Chetter@hyms.ac.uk, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull

This project is part of a larger multidisciplinary approach aimed at understating the molecular adaptation of ischaemic skeletal muscle to exercise training. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic condition characterised by vascular deficits and skeletal muscle ischaemia. The pathophysiology of PAD is associated with myopathy and mitochondrial dysfunction both contributing to significant impairment in exercise capacity and health-related quality of life. The molecular mechanism by which exercise training improves outcome in patients with PAD is poorly understood, but may pertain to increased oxidative metabolism and perhaps increased angiogenesis with improved blood flow to the muscle. The objective of this project is to determine the role of regular, supervised exercise training in reversing ischaemic skeletal muscle damage in patients with PAD. Particular emphasis will be placed on the regulation of transcriptional and translational pathways that control ischaemic muscle phenotype.

Highly motivated candidates interested in pursuing a PhD are invited to apply. The successful applicant will register for a PhD degree and will have an outstanding opportunity to work within a dynamic multi-disciplinary team environment based in the Department of Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences and Hull Royal Infirmary dedicated to delineate the molecular changes that take place in ischaemic skeletal muscle from patients with peripheral arterial disease. 

You should hold, or be completing a good undergraduate honours degree (with 2:1 or higher) in any relevant discipline, including Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences, Biological Sciences, or any other biomedical discipline. Previous experience of exercise physiology, especially skeletal muscle tissue biology would be advantageous. Candidates with a MSc degree in a relevant area and/or laboratory skills are encouraged to apply. You will use a wide range of modern and state of the art biological and physiological techniques to identify key molecules that regulate skeletal muscle phenotype. Examples include and are not limited to fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, histology, gene expression and protein biochemistry techniques. You will have the ability to work well with computers and use new software packages. Training in biochemical and physiological techniques will be offered if the successful candidate does not have a well-developed background.

To apply for this post please click on the ‘Apply’ button below

This full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship will include fees at the ‘home/EU’ student rate and maintenance (£13,726 in 2013/14) for three years, depending on satisfactory progress.

Full-time International Fee PhD Studentships will include full fees at the International student rate for three years, dependant on satisfactory progress.

PhD students at the University of Hull follow modules for research and transferable skills development and gain a Masters level Certificate, or Diploma, in Research Training, in addition to their research degree.