英国曼彻斯特大学招聘生物医药方向博士后

A*STAR Research Attachment Programme 2015

A*STAR Institutes, Singapore

Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences

Understanding the fibrotic microenvironment and altered signalling mechanisms in liver disease

Dr Karen Piper-Hanley & Professor Philip Ingham

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore together with the University of Manchester is offering the opportunity to experience outstanding international PhD training in emerging areas of bioscience and medical research priority.

The A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP) enables students to spend two years in Manchester and two years in Singapore at a prestigious A*STAR Research Institute. Successful candidates will work with distinguished and renowned supervisors from A*STAR and Manchester, in vibrant research-intensive environments.

This PhD in the area of biomedical science offers a unique opportunity to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis. Fibrosis of the liver is a major cause of death worldwide. Despite this there are limited markers of disease and no approved anti-fibrotic drugs. To address this, greater mechanistic insight into the disease process is required. Fibrosis is defined by disruptive extracellular matrix (ECM) that leads to organ dysfunction.

Given its importance it is surprising how little we know about the role of increasing ECM in altering the fibrotic environment through mechanical signalling and mobilisation of pro-fibrotic factors. This project will build on current momentum into understanding the fibrotic environment influencing the disease. In particular our data demonstrates signalling via hedgehog (HH) and the mechanosensitive factor yes-associated protein (YAP) are critical regulators of fibrosis. To provide insight into these pathways, we will link in vitro molecular mechanism with in vivo models of disease. As part of this we will develop models of liver fibrosis in zebrafish to provide insight into the pathological role of signaling molecules in fibrosis.

Moreover, this model allows greater scope for testing hypothesis driven approaches to target signaling pathways for anti-fibrotic drug development.

The successful candidate will join an established dynamic team of postdocs, PhD students and clinical academics all working in the area of fibrosis. They will experience a broad range of molecular biology and in vivo disease methodology in a supportive training environment for the next generation of scientists.

This 4-year full-time studentship provides full support for UK/EU tuition fees, training costs and an annual minimum tax-free stipend at RCUK rates (currently £13, 863). The project is due to commence October 2015 and is open to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding.

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a minimum upper-second honours degree (or equivalent) in a related medical or biological science. A Masters degree in a similar discipline would be beneficial as would previous experience of some of the techniques referenced above.

Details on the application process and further information on the A*STAR-Manchester scheme can be found on our website:

www.singaporeastar.manchester.ac.uk/

Interested individuals are strongly recommended to contact Dr Piper-Hanley prior to submitting an application to establish suitability for the project as well as gain further information on the planned research (karen.piperhanley@manchester.ac.uk).

www.human-development.manchester.ac.uk/staff/KarenPiperHanley

Applications should be submitted online by 5pm, Friday 23 January 2015. Interviews will be held in Manchester during February 2015.