School of Biological Sciences

Location:  Southampton General Hospital
Closing Date:  Friday 01 July 2022
Reference:  1827522BJ

PhD Supervisor: Dr Diego Gomez-Nicola       

Unveiling and mapping the complexity of the immune compartment in AD

Interviews will be held by mid July (details TBC)

PhD Description:

PhD Studentship available at Diego Gomez-Nicola’s group (www.dgnlab.co.uk) to investigate the diversity and role of immune cells in Alzheimer’s disease. Microglial cells are the resident immune cells of the brain and play crucial roles in the regulation of normal and pathological neural functions. This PhD project will use cutting edge techniques, including spatial transcriptomics, to investigate the diversity of immune cells present in the human Alzheimer’s brain, and relate these with key pathological hallmarks. This is an opportunity for a motivated student to join a competitive research team within the area of neuroimmunology and embark into a journey to providing human-relevant insight into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, thanks to funding from the Alzheimer’s Association. 

The University of Southampton provides an outstanding environment for research on neuroscience. The Gomez-Nicola research group is part of the Alzheimer’s Research UK South Coast Network and the Southampton Neuroscience Group (SoNG), and is integrated across the disciplines of biology and medicine including laboratories with clinical and non-clinical expertise.

The project is funded for 3 years and welcomes applicants from the UK and EU who have or expect to obtain at least an upper second class degree in Biological Sciences or allied subjects. Previous experience within the areas of neuroscience, neuroimmunology and/or transcriptomics will be considered advantageous. Funding will cover fees and a stipend at current research council rates of £15,609 per annum for 2021/22 subject to rise for 202223. 

Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK/EU applicants

Applications for a PhD in Biological Sciences should be submitted online at:

https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=7187&majr=7187&term=202223

Please place Name in the field for proposed supervisor.

General enquiries should be made to Dr Gomez-Nicola

d.gomez-nicola@soton.ac.uk.  Any queries on the application process should be made to fels-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified

The University of Southampton and the School of Biological Sciences both hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, demonstrating their commitment to provide equal opportunities and to advance the representation of women in STEM/M subjects: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.   Due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break.  University benefits include onsite childcare facilities, state-of-the-art on-campus sports, arts and culture facilities, a full programme of events and a range of staff discounts.