PhD Studentship

Inflammation and Lung Fibrosis

University of Hull – Postgraduate Medical Institute

To celebrate the University’s research successes, the University of Hull is offering the following PhD Studentship in Hull’s Postgraduate Medical Institute:

Inflammation and Lung Fibrosis

Contact name: PGMI Administrator, Mrs Jane Kitson, J.Kitson@hull.ac.uk 01482 464213

Primary supervisor: Dr. Simon Hart, Prof. Alyn Morice
Postgraduate Medical Institute / Division of Cardiovascular/ Respiratory Studies

Closing date: Friday 2^nd March. Studentships will start in September 2012

With the establishment of the University’s state of the art pre-clinical imaging unit (PET/SPECT/CT & NMR) opportunities exist for studentships to develop and study novel agents with applications in Oncology.

Lung fibrosis is a deadly and distressing condition, which currently has no effective treatment. It covers a number of subgroups of the condition variously known as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Cryptogenic Fibrosing Alveolitis, and Usual Interstitial Pneumonia as well as fibrosis associated with connective tissue disease, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Until recently the role of the vascular endothelium had been largely ignored in this group of diseases. In preliminary work, we have discovered a range of abnormalities of the clotting cascade and our hypothesis is that the interaction between the blood, endothelium and alveolar pneumocytes is crucial in the establishment and propagation of lung fibrosis. 

Using unique cellular models, we will demonstrate how the blood/lung interaction causes release of pro-inflammatory mediators, which precipitate the fibrotic cascade leading to lung scarring. With the knowledge of the precipitating factors we will look to develop strategies to interfere with this fibrotic process and attempt to create apoptotic cell death of the fibroblast. A range of established molecular techniques from cell culture, PCR, and FACS analysis will be used to determine the changes in cellular cytokine expression following stimulation by potential precipitants of the fibrotic cascade. 

Applications from both home/EU and international students are welcomed.       

To apply, visit  http://www.hyms.ac.uk/postgraduate/applying-for-postgraduate-study.aspx

Full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarships will include fees at the ‘home/EU’ student rate and maintenance (£13,590 in 2012/13) 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.

Successful applicants will be informed of the award by 8^th May 2012.