PhD Studentship The Role of Local Hormones in the Aetiology of Endometriosis |2021-2022 Scholarships Grants

Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences

Professor Kay Marshall, Professor Anna Nicolaou & Dr Debbie Fischer

Endometriosis is a disease which affects ten per cent of women of reproductive age. The aetiology of the disease is unclear and as yet there are no ideal medical forms of management that are suitable for long term treatment. Endometriosis can cause severe and debilitating levels of pain and impair fertility, the latter is compounded by the fact that the hormone based therapies also interrupt the menstrual cycle and so potentiate this problem.

To increase understanding of this enigmatic condition this project will explore the effects of eicosanoids on and released from tissues from the female reproductive tract and ectopic endometrial lesions. The relationship between ectopic and eutopic endometrium and other associated tissues will be studied. The project is part of a larger programme which extends to cover the development of novel drug delivery devices.

A range of skills-training relevant to the pharmacology and biological chemistry sectors will be provided in this project, supporting progression for the successful candidate into a variety of career positions within the pharmaceutical industry or academic settings.

The project provides a studentship covering UK/EU tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend at Research Council rates (Â£13,726 in 2013/14). Non-EU nationals are encouraged to enquire about partial funding linked to this project, as bursaries are available to the most outstanding international candidates. Funding will be between 3-4 years in duration subject to the experience of the successful candidate. The project is due to commence in September 2013, although there may be some flexibility on this.