We are pleased to offer the following PhD studentship:
Characterising fat tissue structure and function in grey seals, an animal model of extreme fat deposition and mobilisation, using novel in vivo and in vitro approaches Knowledge of energy balance regulation is central to understanding how animals and humans cope in a changing and increasingly 'obesogenic' environment. Obesity is a major socio-economic and human health problem. As fat cells grow, divide and become distant from the blood supply they become hypoxic and produce reactive species (RS). In humans RS trigger inflammation and further adipogenesis. However, seals can gain large fat depots rapidly without apparent detrimental effects. Understanding the regulation of their adiposity is of crucial importance because body fatness is a key driver of juvenile survival and of adult reproductive fitness. This project thus provides the biological underpinning of the physiological ecology of an important UK top predator and the comparative physiology of adipose function. This project will use novel in vivo and in vitro approaches to understand how and when seal blubber produces and responds to RS. The successful candidate will optimise and use new methods to measure oxygen, pH, RS and temperature in blubber; optimise and use microscopy and immunohistochemistry methods to investigate blubber tissue structure; develop tools to measure gene expression and activation of cell signalling pathways in blubber; and develop and use in vitro methods to establish how redox signalling in fat tissue is altered by manipulation of redox pathways, and consequences for adipose function. Candidates should have a background in biology, zoology, or a related discipline, an honours degree with a strong element of molecular or cell biology or biochemistry and be able to demonstrate clear competence in the laboratory. The successful applicant will show a keen interest in adipose physiology, energy balance or redox biology and should be highly self-motivated with good problem solving skills. Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills and possess competence in statistical approaches. Experience with histological, biochemical or molecular biology techniques will be an advantage. The successful applicant will be expected to undertake necessary field work, visit partner institutions at formal meetings and informally as required, and present the work at international fora in biological sciences, and therefore must be willing to travel within the UK and overseas. A related Masters level qualification is desirable but not essential, but candidates must have, or expect to obtain a first class or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline as detailed above. For applicants who are non-native speakers of English, the University requires IELTS of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.5) or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Home Office. Candidates can expect to develop an excellent working knowledge of redox signalling and adipose biology in a non-model species, gain valuable fieldwork skills, including techniques to investigate whole animal and in vivo physiology, and acquire a range of cutting-edge laboratory skills. The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary team from biology and sports and exercise physiology and will contribute to the growing Comparative and Molecular Physiology group that spans the School of Social and Health Science and the School of Science, Engineering and Technology. You will be expected to undertake limited teaching duties of no more than 70 hours a year. We provide training on this activity and it is a valuable part of career development. The studentship will be based at Abertay University and will maintain and strengthen links with our collaborators at the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews. The PhD studentship includes a fully funded tax free stipend of £14,553 per year over 3 and a half years, tuition fees as well as a travel and equipment budget. Applications will be sought for 5 specific R-LINCS studentship titles and the best (up to) four candidates meeting our quality threshold will be offered the studentship they applied for. Deadline: Midnight (BST) on Sunday 9 July 2017. Submissions after this date will not be considered. Interviews are likely to be held during the weeks 31 July - 11 August. Informal enquiries should be directed to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Further details and application forms are available here: https://www.hirewire.co.uk/HE/1061263/MS_JobDetails.aspx?JobID=77221 [Image: Abertay University] The UK's first national centre for excellence in computer games education Follow us: Web Site<http://www.abertay.ac.uk> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/AbertayUni> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/AbertayUni> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=12685> [Image: Race Equality Charter Bronze Award] Abertay University is an operating name of the University of Abertay Dundee, a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC016040. Any views or opinions expressed in this email and any attachments are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Abertay University. This email and any attachments may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the intended recipient. 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