Role of cellular senescence in progression of chronic kidney disease

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 chronic kidney disease (CKD). When a patient is diagnosed with renal impairment, it not known whether they will have worsening renal trajectory or stable renal trajectory. In this project, we aim to identify candidate biomarkers that could predict trajectory of renal decline or improvement. We propose to deploy an integrative multi-omics approach to utilising cellular senescence biomarkers as early predictors of renal function maintenenece or decline. Existing datasets include proteomics, trancriptomics and metagenomics of several chronic diseases including CKD. The candidate will tease out kidney specific senescence signatures using all these datasets.

In this project, the researcher will:

1) Analyse multiple omic datasets of CKD and compare to other chronic ageing disease datasets available at the Personalised Medicine Centre to identify kidney specific senescence biomarkers

2) Perform proteomic studies on urine samples from CKD patients to identify secreted urinary senescence markers

3) Undertake machine learning/AI studies to determine and independently validate biomarkers for progression to end stage renal disease

4) Publish research/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 a degree in Biological/Computational Sciences or related subject. Experience in handling/analysing large omic datasets is desired but not essential. The project will provide 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)

These 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.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

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.