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Website cardiffuni Cardiff University
Closing date: 31st May
Explore how HLA gene variants shape microglial function in Alzheimer’s disease. Join a Cardiff DRI PhD project using iPSC and bioinformatics approaches.
An individual’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is partially determined by changes in their genes. Small changes in specific genes increase the risk of developing AD. Genetic analysis of large cohorts of individuals have reported an association with variants in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and AD. An individual’s HLA genotype determines how the immune response recognises and responds to different antigens in different individuals and variants in HLA have been reported as major risk factors for complex diseases. Within the brain, HLA genes are predominantly expressed on the surface of microglia and present peptides to T-cells. Due to the highly polymorphic nature of HLA genes, the strong linkage disequilibrium and the population-specific genetic diversity determining the exact genetic variants responsible for influencing disease risk is complex, and how an individual’s HLA makeup drives AD aetiology remains to be explored.
This studentship will use a range of bioinformatic and wet lab approaches and be based in the lab of Dr Sarah Carpanini (iPSC) and co-supervised by Dr Rebecca Sims (bioinformatician). The student will use induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models of microglia with different HLA genetics to explore whether variants in HLA alter microglial antigen presentation in AD.
This will improve our understanding of how the HLA genes influence risk for AD, which HLA genes are most important in AD, and how these HLA genes affect microglia function. Understanding the genes influencing AD allows us to identify those at risk and assist in developing new drug treatments.
The student will gain expertise in neurodegenerative disease modelling, molecular biology and genetics and be based in the UK Dementia Research Institute (DRI) at Cardiff University.
Entry Requirements
You will hold or expect to achieve a First or Upper Second Class degree in biomedical science, biochemistry, cell biology or a related subject. As this is a training doctorate, previous research experience is not essential.
Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS).
How to Apply
This studentship has a start date of October 2025. In order to be considered you must submit a formal application via Cardiff University’s online application service.
There is a box at the top right of the page labelled ‘Apply’, please ensure you select the correct ‘Qualification’ (Doctor of Philosophy), the correct ‘Mode of Study’ (Full Time) and the correct ‘Start Date’ (October 2025). This will take you to the application portal.
In order to be considered candidates must submit the following information:
- Supporting statement
- CV
- Qualification certificates
- References x 2
- Proof of English language (if applicable)
Funding Notes
This 4 year PhD studentship PhD will be generously funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK supervised by Dr Sarah Carpanini
UKRI level minimum stipend of £20,780 per year for your living costs.
The studentship is open to both Home (UK) students and EU domiciled applicants.
Funding will cover UK fees and stipend at the UKRI rate.
To be classed as eligible as an EU applicant you must:
- Have an offer to study on a full-time Postgraduate Research programme
- Be classified as ‘EU’ for tuition fee purposes
To be classified as ‘EU’ for tuition fee purposes, an applicant must:
- Be ordinarily resident* in the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland for the full three-year period prior to commencing your studies
- Have no immigration restriction on the length of your stay in the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland
- Not be eligible for ‘Home’ fee status under Welsh Government regulations
For more information about the fee waiver for EU students please visit the university website
To apply for this job please visit www.findaphd.com.
