Career opportunities
PhD Studentship, Nottingham Trent University, UK (fully funded)
Topic: Identification and spatial brain mapping of novel candidate metabolic rate genes
Deadline: 13 September 2024
How to apply: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/postgraduate/phd/phd-opportunities/find-a-phd-opportunity/projects/science-technology/dentification-and-spatial-brain-mapping-of-novel-candidate-metabolic-rate-genes
Overview
Our modern lifestyle of low physical activity and readily available calorie-dense foods has contributed to the rapid escalation of obesity and its associated diseases. Metabolic rate, or calorie burning, is a critical determinant of body composition and health. This trait is under strong genetic influence and is homeostatically controlled by discrete, interconnected brain centres in the hypothalamus. Environmental and biological factors influence metabolic rate, and modulate total daily energy expenditure, including age, diet and exercise, ambient temperature, illness, and reproductive status. Uncoupling of the brain mechanisms that sense and integrate homeostatic responses to these perturbations are a potential therapeutic target for obesity. The project will exploit a unique mammalian model of forced evolution to contrasting metabolic rates developed in the laboratory by selection over >40 generations. Historical work on these lines has shown robust homeostatic responses to high calorie diets, and genetic experiments based on fat mass identified potential underlying large chromosomal regions but no causal gene. Importantly, the role of the brain as the predominant regulator of metabolic rate homeostasis has never been studied in these lines. The student will apply state-of the-art spatial transcriptomics and cutting-edge light-sheet microscopy, allowing high resolution 3-D imaging for candidate gene validation, in the brain to delineate the molecular genetic basis of metabolic rate regulation in these lines. Working within a newly established team of post-doctoral and graduate students dedicated to understanding the metabolic physiology and genetic basis of energy balance1-3, this exciting opportunity will afford an excellent training in the most advanced technologies for candidate causal gene identification, validation and in vivo modelling, with the potential to identify novel therapeutic targets for obesity.
References
- Morton lab: doi: 10.1038/nm.4115
- Morton lab: DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35563-0
- Dumbell lab: 10.1096/fj.202201829R
Senior Research Fellow, King's College London
Salary: £62,696 - £66,198 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.
Closing date: 26 September 2024.
Department: Department of Women & Children's Health.
Contact details: Kevin O’Byrne. Kevin.obyrne@kcl.ac.uk
Location: Guy's Campus.
How to apply: www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs/095111-senior-research-fellow
About the role
We are looking for someone to join the Laboratory of Professor Kevin O’Byrne, in the Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital Campus. Working within Professor O’Byrne’s teams, the post holder will provide high quality research commensurate with the BBSRC funded research involving cutting-edge technologies, including optogenetics, chemogenetics mini-endoscopic imaging of complex neural systems in the limbic brain of conscious mice. We also use computational modelling to enhance our understanding of reproductive neuroendocrinology with our collaborators at the University of Exeter. Current projects include examining the operational characteristics of the central regulator of the reproductive system, the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator, impact of stress on fertility and role of emotional limbic brain in reproduction.
This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/5/2025.
About You
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- PhD qualified in relevant subject area
- Significant experience in a wide range of laboratory/data/analytical techniques including robotic stereotaxic neurosurgery and other animal surgeries, chemogenetic and optogenetic, GRIN lens mini-endoscopic and electrophysiological monitoring of brain activity, PCR, brain bunching, complex microscopy including fluorescence, Immunocytochemistry, viral and non-viral tract tracing, complex transgenic mouse breeding, wide range of hormone assay
- Proven successful independent, high-quality research in reproductive neuroendocrinology including evidence of publications of high-quality, peer-reviewed papers
- Significant experience in designing, developing and managing research projects including leading or supporting the development and submission of grant applications and funding proposals
- Organised and systematic approach to research
- Self-motivated, with the ability to work under pressure & to meet deadlines
- Strong interpersonal skills in one to ones and group settings
- Excellent presentation and written and verbal communication skills
- Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, actively addressing areas of potential bias
Desirable criteria
- Engaging in multidisciplinary research projects
- Ability to promote and foster collaborative and interdisciplinary research
- Ability to lead and manage a research team
