Cheryl Hawkes

A fully funded PhD studentship is available through the North West Bio Doctoral Training Partnership (BBSRC-funded), hosted collaboratively by the University of Glasgow and Lancaster University. The project focuses on understanding how glial cells, specifically astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, regulate brain energy metabolism and how these processes are linked to brain inflammation and cognitive decline during ageing. The research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which glial cells support neuronal activity, limit inflammation, and maintain cognitive function, with a particular emphasis on changes occurring in the ageing brain. The student will receive training in advanced live-cell fluorescence imaging, molecular and biochemical analyses, and animal behavioural studies. Supervisors for the project are Shefeeq Theparambil (Lancaster University), Julia Edgar (University of Glasgow), and Cheryl Hawkes (Lancaster University). Applicants should have a strong background in neuroscience, biology, or biomedical sciences, and experience in laboratory research is desirable. The studentship covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses. The application deadline is 21st November 2024. Interested candidates should review the full project details and application process via the provided link and may contact Shefeeq Theparambil for informal discussions.