PhD Studentship: Establishing the Effect of Microplastic and Nanoplastic Exposure on Inflammatory Bowel Disease

DoS: Dr Nathaniel Clark ([email protected] )

2nd Supervisor: Dr Lee Hutt ([email protected] )

third Supervisor: Dr Raul Bescos ([email protected] ) 

Purposes are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will begin, 1 October 2024.

Challenge Description  

Microplastics (

The presence of plastics in meals could possibly be contributing to inflammatory pathophysiological situations, a big proportion of that are generally attributed to “unknown” environmental elements. For instance, inflammatory bowel illness (IBD) has an environmental element, and its prevalence has elevated consistent with the large-scale manufacturing and use of plastics. Such situations have an altered intestine atmosphere (e.g., luminal pH), which is able to alter the toxicity and accumulation of microplastic and nanoplastic publicity and improve irritation. The impact of microplastic and nanoplastic publicity on the intestine below pathophysiological situations in people has not been investigated.    

This challenge goals to supply novel insights into the affect of plastic particles on the intestine well being utilizing in vitro cell methodologies. Particularly, the dose-dependent results and inflammatory response will probably be measured, in addition to quantify nanoplastic uptake into the cells. This challenge will use an interdisciplinary strategy to grasp microplastic and nanoplastic toxicology and accumulation. 

Eligibility  

Candidates ought to have a primary or higher second class honours diploma in an acceptable topic or a related Masters qualification. Information of both Biology, Cell tradition and/or Toxicology is fascinating. 

In case your first language will not be English, you’ll need to satisfy the minimal English necessities for the programme, IELTS Tutorial rating of 6.5 (with at least 5.5 in every element take a look at space) or equal. 

The studentship is supported for 3 years and contains full Dwelling tuition charges plus a stipend of £18,110 every year 2023-24 fee (2024-24 fee TBC). The studentship will solely totally fund these candidates who’re eligible for Dwelling charges with related {qualifications}. Candidates usually required to cowl Worldwide charges must cowl the distinction between the Dwelling and the Worldwide tuition payment charges roughly £13,244 every year 2024-25 fee. 

NB: The studentship is supported for 3 years of the four-year registration interval. The fourth 12 months is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ 12 months. 

In the event you want to talk about this challenge additional informally, please contact Dr Nathaniel Clark at [email protected] . 

To use for this place please click on on the Apply button above. 

Please clearly state the identify of the studentship that you’re making use of for on the highest of your private assertion. 

Please see right here for a listing of supporting paperwork to add along with your software. 

For info on the admissions course of usually, please go to our Methods to Apply for a Analysis Diploma webpage. 

The time limit for functions on 8 Could 2024,15.00. Shortlisted candidates will probably be invited for interview within the week commencing 3 June.