R M Bill

This PhD project at Aston University investigates the regulation of brain fluid homeostasis through dynamic subcellular relocalisation of aquaporin-4, a key water channel protein in the central nervous system. Aquaporin-4 facilitates water exchange across the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barriers, influencing cell volume, extracellular space, and astrocyte migration. Recent research has shown that aquaporin-4 localization is dynamically regulated, impacting membrane water permeability and playing a critical role in conditions such as ageing, stroke, traumatic injury, and sleep disruption—all risk factors for neurodegeneration. Brain and spinal cord oedema, often resulting from traumatic injury, stroke, or cancer, are caused by water influx through aquaporin-4. The project builds on findings that reducing aquaporin-4 relocalisation to these barriers can decrease oedema and accelerate recovery in rodent models. Targeting this dynamic relocalisation offers a novel therapeutic approach for modulating aquaporin-4 function and addressing urgent clinical needs in neurodegeneration and brain swelling. The research will employ advanced biochemical and biophysical methods to characterize aquaporin-4 regulation in both healthy and diseased states. The long-term goal is to establish a mechanistic framework for understanding brain water homeostasis and to leverage this knowledge for the development of new medicines. The position is based at Aston University's College of Health and Life Sciences, located on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. Candidates must reside within reasonable proximity to the campus and attend regularly in person. The project is supervised by Dr Philip Kitchen and Prof R M Bill, both experts in aquaporin research. Funding covers Home tuition fees; overseas applicants are required to pay the difference between Home and Overseas tuition fees (£17,712 for 2026/7). There are additional consumables costs, which must be discussed with the supervisor prior to application. Applicants should upload confirmation of this discussion with their application. Applicants must hold, or expect to achieve, a First or Upper Second Class undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, or a First or Upper Second Class undergraduate degree plus a Merit or Distinction in a relevant Masters degree. Overseas qualifications are considered if equivalent. Required documents include English language transcripts and certificates, a research statement, personal statement, CV, two academic references (at least one from the most recent university), evidence of English language proficiency, and a copy of the passport. Applicants must confirm their ability to fund the tuition fee difference if applying as an overseas student. Applications are accepted year-round. Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams for shortlisted candidates. For further information, contact Dr Philip Kitchen at [email protected] or the Postgraduate Admissions team at [email protected]. Apply online via the provided link, selecting 'Research - Health Sciences' on the application form. Ensure all required documents are uploaded; incomplete applications will be automatically rejected.