Published: 08 Aug 2025 524 views
This fully funded 42-month PhD project will investigate the role of oral bacteria in neurodegenerative diseases focussing on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a condition with increasing global prevalence. Emerging evidence suggests a strong association between periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting over 743 million people worldwide, and AD. Periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, have been implicated in AD pathology through mechanisms involving neuroinflammation, amyloid-beta aggregation, and tau hyperphosphorylation. This project aims to determine the presence and impact of periodontal bacteria in post-mortem AD brain tissues and investigate their role in neurodegeneration, with a focus on the Integrated Stress Response (ISR, a cellular defence mechanism that regulates protein synthesis in response to stress) and tau pathology.
Applicants should hold at least a 1st or 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant science-based discipline. A master’s degree in a related field would be advantageous, as would an interest in microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and neurodegenerative diseases and mass spectrometry imaging. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and passionate about disease-oriented research.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals from groups underrepresented in postgraduate research, including but not limited to women, LGBTQ+, and minoritised ethnic groups. This in particular includes support for Black, Asian and minority ethnic UK candidates. Home students from minority groups will be fast-tracked to interview on condition of meeting the minimum entry requirements.
Information for international applicants
English language requirements of IELTS 7 with a minimum score of 6.5 in all test areas (or equivalent) are mandatory if English is not your first language. Qualifications should have been taken within the last two years. Further information can be found here .
1. A personal statement (1 page maximum) detailing your interest in the project and how your experience in academia, industry, research or social activities makes you the best candidate (Please upload this in place of a proposal). We’re looking for evidence of:
2. Two letters of reference, or details of two referees, at least one from an academic and both dated within the last 2 years
3. Copy of your highest degree certificate
4. Non-UK applicants must submit IELTS results (or equivalent) taken in the last two years and a copy of their passport
To apply for this GTA scholarship, please use the online application form.
1. A personal statement (1 page maximum) detailing your interest in the project and how your experience in academia, industry, research or social activities makes you the best candidate (Please upload this in place of a proposal). We’re looking for evidence of:
2. Two letters of reference, or details of two referees, at least one from an academic and both dated within the last 2 years
3. Copy of your highest degree certificate
4. Non-UK applicants must submit IELTS results (or equivalent) taken in the last two years and a copy of their passport
For more details, visit SHU Scholarship webpage
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