PhD studentship – Commercial Applications of Skin Bioenergy Research

Value of award 

100% of Home tuition fees paid and UKRI stipend for annual living expenses.  A successful international candidate needs to fund the difference between the UK and international fees. 

Overview 

Many studies have now implicated the key role of skin bioenergy in the process of skin ageing (1-4), particularly oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Many studies have been conducted to elucidate the mechanism of ageing, and there is continuing evidence that supports the proposal that mitochondria are implicated in both normal ageing and skin photoaging. Mitochondrial DNA is established as a reliable and sensitive biomarker of UV-induced damage in the skin and the Birch-Machin group has pioneered this over the last 29 years (1-4).  There are also synergistic interactions of the individual components of sunlight along with effects of urban pollution. The project will investigate and address the commercial applications of skin bioenergy research in relation to topical products within the field of skin aging and protection of cellular damage by external stressors.   

 The student will benefit from training in multi-disciplinary areas including cellular and molecular biological techniques, image analysis, cell culture, genetic and chemical analysis, immunostaining and gene expression. In addition, the student will participate in business skills and personal development training.   

References:1FASEB BioAdvances 2023, 5(11): 470-483 2Aging Cell. 2020 Oct;19(10):e13248, 3FASEB 2020 Mar; 34(3):3874-3883 4Exp Derm, 2018, 27, 124-128. 

Number of awards 

One 

Start date and duration 

16th September 2024 (an earlier start can be considered). The funding covers a 3-year PhD. 

Application closing date 

30th April 2024 

Sponsor 

Superdrug Stores PLC 

Name of the supervisor(s) 

Professor Birch-Machin (Newcastle University) https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/markbirch-machin.html 

Shona Bear (Superdrug) 

Eligibility Criteria  

Candidates are expected to hold (or about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. Candidates with a Masters degree in a relevant subject and/or experience of laboratory-based research are also desirable. In addition, the following skills and behaviours would be advantageous: 

• An interest in business practices and how research findings are commercially translated   

To study this course, international applicants need to meet the following English Language requirements: 

IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills). 

How to apply 

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in ‘Type of Study’, ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2023’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8440F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Translational and Clinical Research (FT)’, and save selection. 

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘TC097’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required.   Please upload a covering letter and CV, stating how your interests and experience relate to the project.  

Degree transcripts/certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification if completed must be uploaded.  

Contact 

Informal enquiries to lead supervisor: Professor Mark Birch-Machin; [email protected].