Role of Cellular Senescence in Progression of Atrial Fibrillation

Summary

Senescence is a process where cells cease dividing and undergo distinctive phenotypic changes. Senescence has a key role in the aging process and has also been implicated as a major cause of age-related disease through the accumulation of senescence cells which leads to age-related physiological decline.  One such ageing disease is AF. When a patient is diagnosed with heart arrythmia, it not known whether he or she can develop more severe form and or permanent AF. In this project, we aim to identify candidate biomarkers that could predict trajectory of AF.  We propose to deploy an integrative multi-omics approach to utilising cellular senescence biomarkers as early predictors of heart function maintenenece or decline. Existing datasets include proteomics, trancriptomics and metagenomics of several chronic diseases including AF. The candidate will tease out heart specific senescence signatures using all these datasets.

In this project, the researcher will:

1)  Analyse multiple omic datasets of AF and compare to other chronic ageing disease datasets available at the Personalised Medicine Centre to identify heart specific senescence biomarkers
2)  Perform proteomic studies on plasma samples from AF patients to identify senescence markers
3)  Undertake machine learning/AI studies to determine and independently validate biomarkers for progression to permanent AF
4)  Publish research and review articles in top tier journals

The proposed project will be based at the Personalised Medicine Centre within the School of Medicine at Ulster University. It will combine laboratory sciences and data analytics. The ideal candidate will have B.Sc/M.SC in Biological/Computational Sciences. Experience in handling/analysing large omic datasets is desired but not essential.  The project will provide the student with training in a wide range of highly transferable skills such as bioinformatics (machine learning and AI) and laboratory techniques (molecular biology, trancriptomics and proteomics).

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Medicine, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.