How do NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 support dopaminergic and cortical neuron maintenance?

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2025.

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To apply please use the online application form. Simply select the online application link below for PhD Medical Studies
Online application
Within the research section of the application form, in the following field, please add:
‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add 25-10 PMS-S7-P1 Kramer
When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a studentship project.

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It is important that you follow the instructions above or your application for this studentship may be missed and therefore will not be considered.
Before applying, please ensure you have read the Doctoral College’s general information on applying for a postgraduate research degree .
For more information on the admissions process please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
How do NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 support dopaminergic and cortical neuron maintenance?
2nd Supervisor: Dr Eve Kelland
3rd Supervisor: TBC
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship available at Professor Edgar Kramer's group, Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth, UK. The studentship will start on 1 October 2025.

Project description

Currently the molecular causes of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are not completely understood and no therapy is available to stop disease progression. Accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein has been observed in many PD and DLB patients and can lead to severe midbrain dopaminergic and/or cortical neuron death.
NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 are two related E3 ubiquitin protein ligases present in the nervous system that seem to be important to promote α-synuclein degradation and neuron maintenance.
This project will investigate NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 expression and function in human stem cells and dopaminergic neurons in culture as well as in human and mouse brain sections under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We will search for NEDD4-1 and NEDD4-2 substrates and regulatory mechanisms which explain their function in dopaminergic and cortical neurons and might lead to new treatment options for PD and DLB.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant masters qualification and extended laboratory research experience. We are looking for a candidate with experience in cell culture, stem cells, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, protein purification and/or confocal imaging. Experience in using human tissue is advantageous. A high interest in neurodegenerative diseases and neuroscience is a must as well as excellent communication skills inside the research team and community.
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full home (UK) only tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025/26 rate). The fourth of the four-year registration period is a self-funded “writing-up” year. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for home fees with relevant qualifications. International applicants (non-UK nationals) must be able to cover the difference between the home and the international tuition fee rates. International students must also have an English language IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 5.5 in any element, and might require a visa.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Professor Edgar Kramer by email.

How to apply

To apply, please select the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application:
  • CV / résumé.
  • Personal statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying).
  • Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
  • If relevant, proof of English language competency (applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS Academic of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent).
Please see our apply for a postgraduate research programme page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College . Applications will not be considered if information is missing.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 31 August 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview before 15 September 2025. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.