The Newcastle University PhD Scholarship in Mitochondria and Nuclear Positioning in Skeletal Muscle is a prestigious funding opportunity offered by Newcastle University for outstanding individuals interested in pursuing doctoral research in the field of skeletal muscle biology. This scholarship is specifically focused on investigating the role of mitochondria and nuclear positioning in skeletal muscle function, with potential implications for understanding muscle health, performance, and disease.
The research project supported by this scholarship aims to explore the intricate interplay between mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production, and the positioning of cell nuclei within skeletal muscle cells. Skeletal muscle is essential for movement, posture, and metabolism, and disruptions in mitochondrial function or nuclear positioning can have profound effects on muscle physiology and overall health.
The scholarship provides financial support to cover tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses for the duration of the PhD program, typically three to four years. In addition to financial support, the successful applicant will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, cutting-edge technologies, and expert supervision from leading researchers in the field at Newcastle University.
Applicants for the Newcastle University PhD Scholarship in Mitochondria and Nuclear Positioning in Skeletal Muscle should have a strong background in biological sciences, biochemistry, physiology, or related disciplines, and a keen interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle function. They should also possess excellent academic credentials, research potential, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
This scholarship offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers to contribute to our understanding of skeletal muscle biology and potentially pave the way for new strategies for improving muscle health and treating muscle-related disorders. By supporting innovative research in this field, Newcastle University aims to make significant contributions to both basic science and clinical practice, ultimately benefiting individuals’ health and well-being.
An exciting opportunity awaits for a motivated and talented individual to join the Newcastle University PhD Scholarship program, as revealed by prior studies uncovering intriguing structural changes in patients with mitochondrial myopathy, a condition characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically noted are increased presence of nanotunnels, which serve as double membrane connections between non-adjacent mitochondria. Furthermore, preliminary data indicates altered organization of myonuclei, the nuclei within muscle cells, in individuals with mitochondrial myopathy.
The Newcastle University PhD Scholarship program boasts state-of-the-art Bioimaging and Electron Microscopy core facilities, operated by highly skilled specialists, along with renowned expertise in mitochondrial biology. With the objective of leveraging these exceptional resources, the team aims to pioneer the development of a cutting-edge methodology, Correlative Live Light and Electron Microscopy, for the comprehensive study of mitochondria in cells and tissues.
The main objectives:
- Characterize the positioning of myonuclei in relation to mitochondrial function in individual muscle fibers.
- Optimize and refine the CLEM methodology by integrating live fluorescent light microscopy with Transmission EM and 3D volume EM techniques.
- Develop efficient labeling techniques for a range of mitochondrial protein targets within this system.
- Conduct siRNA knockdown experiments targeting key regulators of mitochondrial dynamics and myonuclear positioning, and utilize the CLEM methodology to investigate their impact.
This project will advance imaging methodologies, enabling future researchers at Newcastle to gain a deeper understanding of various biological processes and provide novel insights into the fundamental biology of mitochondria and its association with mitochondrial myopathy.
If you are passionate about mitochondrial biology, advanced imaging techniques, and making significant contributions to scientific research, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits
- Tuition fees (paid at the home rate) and an annual stipend of £18,622 (2024/2024 rate), with support for research costs. International candidates will be required to fund the difference between the home and international fees.
Requirements For This Newcastle University PhD Scholarship
- UG or Masters degree in relevant subject area
- Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each subsection. International applicants may require an ATAS clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.
Application Documents
Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code?‘TC076’?in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’.? When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
Degree transcripts/certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification if completed must be uploaded.
Please also send a copy of your CV/covering letter to amy.vincent@newcastle.ac.uk
Method of Application
Visit The Official Website to Apply
In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in ‘Type of Study’, ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2024’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8440F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Translational and Clinical Research (FT)’, and save selection.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024.
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