PhD in Ion Channel Biology

Fully Funded PhD Studentship Smooth Muscle Research Centre (SMRC), Dundalk, Ireland

The Smooth Muscle Research Centre in Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland comprises a cross-disciplinary research team focused on the regulation of ion channels in health & disease.

Project Description

Keywords; Ion Channel, Electrophysiology, Tremor, Parkinson Disease

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship, funded by Science Foundation Ireland’s Frontiers for the Future 2021 – Frontiers for Partnership Awards. This is an exciting, collaborative project between Dundalk Institute of Technology and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, that will examine the regulation of ion channels by regulatory proteins and how this is affected in patients with tremor. We previously reported a unique interaction between large conductance Ca²⁺-activated potassium (BK) channels and a completely unrelated protein, LINGO1, which is upregulated in the brain of Parkinson’s Disease patients (PMID: 31932443).

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will have, or is on course to obtain in 2024, a 2:1 or 1st Class Honours Degree (or equivalent) in physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or another appropriate biological science subject. Ideally, the candidate should have demonstrable laboratory experience in electrophysiology and ion channel mutagenesis. It is also a requirement that any applicant whose first language is other than English must have a certified English language proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Informal enquires about this project can contact Dr. Mark Hollywood at mark.hollywood@dkit.ie. Please note that canvassing will render the candidate ineligible.

How to Apply

Applicants please create an account HERE.

Select Academic term 2024/25, Academic Level is Postgraduate Research and Programme is Ion Channel Biology

As part of the application you will be required to upload a copy of your CV including references and a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for this position and your motivation. Also required are copies of your Transcripts of results and where applicable IELTS qualifications. These will be requested after you submit your application.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 4 pm (GMT) on Friday 13th September 2024.

DkIT reserves the right to extend this deadline