Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration PhD

University of Liverpool

Embark on a research degree in Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration and gain expertise in cell biology, structural biology and signalling, using model organisms to investigate neuronal development, ageing, neurodegeneration and addiction.IntroductionThe Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) was established to integrate cutting-edge and clinical research across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Programmes of work across ISMIB are varied and are led by world experts in their fields.Our Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration research is cross-disciplinary, offering opportunities for both basic and clinical science across the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology. You’ll also benefit from collaboration with The Liverpool Neuroscience group, including clinicians working in neurology, and contribute to groundbreaking research in neurobiology and neurodegeneration.This research degree is ideal if you’re looking to focus on epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ageing, traumatic brain injury or neurodevelopmental disorders. You’ll have the opportunity to utilise genetic, biochemical, behavioural, electrophysiological, molecular, cellular, structural and imaging techniques.Applying these approaches to mammalian cell systems and model organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, mice and brain organoids, you may choose to complement your studies with work at individual protein and gene level. This will help you understand mechanisms and translate discoveries into clinical applications.Research topicsWe welcome research proposals around the following themes:Neuronal cell and synaptic biology: from stem cells to neuronsDevelopmental neurobiologyMolecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseasesMolecular mechanisms underlying epilepsyState-of-art imaging and optogenetic techniques applied to neurons and gliaDrug discovery in neurobiologyOrganismal models in neurobiology: mice, Drosophila and elegans.