https://research.ncl.ac.uk/nudmtdtp/

Newcastle University invites applications to a doctoral training programme on multiple long-term conditions and social inequalities funded by The Dunhill Medical Trust.  This PhD programme focuses on multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) and social inequalities. The projects build on our Newcastle University-led James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership on MLTCs in later life that highlighted unanswered questions in this area.

Theme 1 of the studentships is “Understanding the mechanisms of ageing and age-related disease” and a studentship is offered in the Skeletal Research Group (SRG) in Newcastle with Dr Louise Reynard, to investigate “Epigenetic alterations in cellular ageing”. Epigenetic alterations are a primary hallmark of cellular ageing, with many common age-related diseases such as cancer, diabetes and osteoarthritis characterised by abnormal epigenetic signatures. This project aims to understand the role of DNA methylation, an epigenetic regulator of gene expression, in musculoskeletal ageing and multi-morbidity. CRISPR-Cas9 genomic and epigenomic editing of cartilage and bone cells will be used to determine the effect of DNA methylation on ELOVL2 and FHL2 gene expression and investigate the function of these genes in cellular ageing. This project offers an opportunity for a student to work at the forefront of ageing research. 

To apply please send a CV and covering letter (no more than 500 words) to dmtdtp@newcastle.ac.uk that contains your reasons for applying and how you are qualified. Please also list up to three projects in your letter, and number them in order of preference from 1 (top choice) to 3 (least preferred).

Deadline: Thursday, 7th July 2022 at 17:00

Interviews expected to take place in the week ending 15th July 2022.