PhD Studentship in Pharmacy and Optometry, Cardiff University

Project title: Novel drug therapy for mitochondrial optic neuropathy

There is a pressing need to identify novel molecules with significantly greater electron transport chain potency for patients with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are central players in the life and death of cells and especially of neurons. Within the brain, the retina ranks amongst the highest energy-consuming systems and the energy-dependence of neurons in the retina is particularly striking. Consequently, strategies to modulate mitochondrial function using small molecules with a view to restore energy production and/or reduce levels of oxidative stress are a promising approach for the treatment of mitochondrial diseases.

This multidisciplinary project involves the development of new chemical structures which will be targetted to mitochondria. Consequently, the work comprises drug design using molecular modelling, synthesis and purification of the identified leads and evalution in a range of bioassays including a model of autosomal dominant optic atrophy. Finally the work will focus on drug delivery aspects to ensure optimal targetting of mitochodria.>

Located within Cardiff University, this project is a collaboration between two world class research departments: School of Optometry & Vision Sciences and School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences. It is envisaged that equal amounts of time will be spent working in each school, spending time in a number of dynamic groups.

Supervisors: Dr Charles Heard, Dr Andrea Brancale, Prof. Marcela Votruba, Dr Malgorzata Rozanowska

Start date: January 2016

Number of Studentships: 1

How to Apply

Consideration is automatic on applying for PhD in Pharmacy (Full-time), with a start date of January 2016 via Cardiff University's Online Application Service. In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select "I will be applying for a scholarship / grant" and specify that you are applying for advertised funding from School funding.

The deadline for applications is 13 November 2015.

Cardiff University reserves the right to close applications early should sufficient applications be received.

Further Information

For further information, please contact Wendy Davies at DaviesWP@cardiff.ac.uk or +44 (0)29 2087 6419.