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BBSRC-funded 4 year Industrial CASE PhD studentship in Pharmacology with Neusentis

PhD Studentship to investigate novel ion channels involved in sensing temperature

Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge and Pfizer Neusentis, Cambridge

We are recruiting to a BBSRC-funded 4 year Industrial CASE PhD studentship.

Supervisors: Prof Peter McNaughton (Dept of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge) and Dr Gareth Young (Pfizer Neusentis, Granta Park, Cambridge)

The project will provide an opportunity for the student to make a major advance in our understanding of the molecular basis of the thermal sensory mechanisms used to control body temperature.  The student will have the opportunity to learn and use a range of techniques important in modern neuroscience, including single-cell electrophysiology using the patch clamp technique; immunocytochemistry; calcium imaging; and the use of next-generation RNA sequencing to determine the molecular basis of novel ion channels characterised using the methods above. We view the combination between fundamental research in a high-quality academic environment in the Cambridge Department of Pharmacology, and research in a drug-discovery environment at Pfizer Neusentis, with access to a tremendous range of expertise and technology, as being a particular strength of the project from the point of view of developing the student’s knowledge base, research outlook and acquisition of techniques.

Applications are invited from recent graduates or final year undergraduates. Applicants should hold or expect to gain a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent). Non-British EU applicants can apply but under BBSRC regulations will be eligible for partial funding only. Non-EU candidates are not eligible. The student will spend the majority of time in Cambridge, where s/he will be a member of a Cambridge college and will also spend a period of up to 6 months at Pfizer Neusentis, located approx. 5 miles south of Cambridge. Under standard BBSRC CASE conditions the stipend will be supplemented by an additional amount paid by Pfizer Neusentis.

See http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/studentships/index.html for further details.

To apply please send CV, names of three referees who can comment on your academic experience and ability, and a letter of application explaining why you are interested in this project and how your background is relevant to:

Professor Peter A. McNaughton

Department of Pharmacology

University of Cambridge

Tennis Court Rd

Cambridge CB2 1PD

Email (please send application via email ) pam42@cam.ac.uk

* Limit of tenure: 4 Year Studentship

Closing date: Thursday 28 March 2013

Posted on 04/03/2013