United Kingdom – BBSRC CASE PhD Studentship in Biological Science at University of Leeds
PhD Studentship – Trafficking of voltage-gated sodium channels involved in pain perception
BBSRC CASE PhD Studentship
available from October 2008
Applications are invited for a Ph.D. BBSRC CASE Studentship under the joint supervision of Prof A Sivaprasadarao and Dr JD Lippiat, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds and Dr R Helliwell, Millipore (UK).
Project Title: Trafficking of voltage-gated sodium channels involved in pain perception
Project Description
The project concerns NaV1 subtype voltage-gated sodium channels which play an important role in nociception, and have been recognised as a major drug target for treatment of pain. These channels function at the plasma membrane of pain sensing neurons by controlling the flux of sodium ions in response to pain signals. The aim of the project is investigate cellular mechanisms that control the density of these channels at the cell surface. This will involve identification of the traffic signals located in the channel sequences and elucidate the mechanisms that control channel trafficking into, and out of the plasma membrane.
An understanding of these basic mechanisms will pave the way for development of novel drugs. The project will utilise techniques in recombinant DNA technology, biochemistry, electrophysiology and cell biology. The successful candidate will be located in new state of the art laboratories in the Integrated Membrane Biology Unit and will also spend some time in the advanced Millipore laboratories.
The studentship is available to UK and EU applicants. UK applicants will be eligible for a full award, covering the cost of tuition fees and a maintenance grant (GBP 15,400 for session 2008/09) including the supplement from Millipore. European Union applicants will be eligible for an award paying tuition fees and Millipore supplement only, except in exceptional circumstances or where residency in the UK has been established for more than 3 years prior to the start of the course.
Questions & Application
The studentship is available from 1st October 2008. Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof A Sivaprasadarao (email: a.sivaprasadarao [at] leeds.ac.uk).
Applications should be addressed to:
Faculty of Biological Sciences Graduate School
University of Leeds
Leeds LS2 9JT
UNITED KINGDOM
by no later than Friday 30th April 2008.
Applicants should submit an application form (if they havent already done so), a brief letter and a full CV. Details of how to apply (and links to the study application form) can be found at http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/gradschool/how_to_apply.htm.
Please kindly mention GetScholarship.net when replying to this position