Applications are invited for an industrial PhD studentship, funded by the EPSRC and Philips, to commence in October 2012, in The Lipid Profiling and Signalling Group. The Group undertakes research into the interactions between diet and obesity and type II diabetes, in particular using high resolution mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy to follow metabolic changes in effected individuals.
The LPS group at MRC HNR has wide experience in the use of metabolomics and lipidomics as tools for biomarker discovery in metabolic diseases, and in particular type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The group has a long standing interest in how insulin resistance develops into T2DM. Quite simple early intervention (diet, exercise, reduction in smoking, drinking or stress) can prevent full blown disease and many of the risk factors associated with subsequent pathologies such as atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease. We and others have identified a range of small molecule and lipid markers of the early stage development of T2DM and want to extend this to patients with insulin resistance. These markers include branch chain amino acids, long chain acyl carnitines, ceramides and plasmolgens. This studentship will use high resolution mass spectrometry to identify markers of pre-diabetes and then through the CASE funded collaboration with Philips develop sensors to these molecules. A compact personal detector for metabolic changes associated with the early insulin resistance to monitor treatment efficacy could have a huge impact on personal health and the associated health costs.
This project will suit an individual with a background in a biological/ nutrition/ medical science/ chemistry with a strong interest in either human disease, metabolomics or lipidomics. It will provide multidisciplinary training in mass spectrometry, multivariate statistics and biosensors.
The successful candidate will be registered with the University of Cambridge and should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject. The studentship is available to UK residents and EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for at least the previous three years. Further information about residence eligibility criteria can be found at www.epsrc.ac.uk.
Further information about MRC Human Nutrition Research can be obtained from our website (www.mrc-hnr.cam.ac.uk). Informal enquiries are welcomed to Dr Jules Griffin.
Applicants should provide a full CV and covering letter explaining their interest in the studentship, and details of two academic referees. Please email to Miss Pippa Eyre or post to Postgraduate Administrator, MRC Human Nutrition Research, Fulbourn Road, Cambridge CB1 9NL.
Closing date: 7th January 2012
Anticipated Interviews: 2nd Week in February 2012