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Newcastle University PhD Studentship
PhD Studentship in Molecular Pathology of POLG-Related Liver Disease in Alpers-Huttenlocher Syndrome Newcastle University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Pathology
Funding
The studentship covers 100% of UK home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend of approximately £21,805 per year at UKRI rates. Funding is available for UK and EU students. The award lasts three years.
Deadline
Nov 18, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Newcastle University
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About this position
This three-year PhD project will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying liver dysfunction in childhood POLG-related mitochondrial disease, also known as Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome.
POLG disease is an inherited mitochondrial DNA maintenance disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the POLG gene, leading to mitochondrial DNA depletion. Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome can affect the central nervous system and liver, with clinical manifestations including epilepsy, hepatic dysfunction and, in severe cases, acute liver failure. The project addresses the poorly understood biological basis of liver vulnerability in this disease.
The research will characterise donated post-mortem liver tissue from children and adults with POLG disease using quantitative untargeted proteomics and immunohistochemical techniques. The project will also use patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to generate hepatic organoids, enabling investigation of disease mechanisms and the development of a platform for therapeutic screening.
The successful researcher will join the internationally recognised Newcastle Mitochondrial Research Group and be affiliated with the Translational and Clinical Research Institute at Newcastle University and the School of Medicine at the University of St Andrews. The studentship is based at Newcastle University, with an opportunity for a research placement at the University of St Andrews.
Funding details
The studentship covers 100% of UK home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend of approximately £21,805 per year at UKRI rates. Funding is available for UK and EU students. The award lasts three years.
What's required
Applicants need a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. A Master's degree with a strong research training element is highly advantageous. Applicants whose first language is not English need an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in all sub-skills, or an equivalent language qualification. International applicants may require an ATAS clearance certificate before obtaining a visa and studying on the programme.
How to apply
Apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. Select Postgraduate Research, Full Time, 2026 entry, course code 8440F, and PhD Translational and Clinical Research (FT). Enter studentship reference TC135, select “Write Proposal,” and use the advertised project title; a research proposal is not required. You may also upload a covering letter and CV.
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