CASE PhD Studentship in Science & Technology at Aston University

The Aston University is inviting applications from highly motivated students for CASE PhD Studentship in Science & Technology for the academic session 2021-2022.  

This studentship includes a fee bursary to cover the Home fees rate, plus a maintenance allowance of at least £15,285

Summary

Project Description

Supervisor:  Dr Irundika Dias

CASE studentships are designed to provide students with a first-rate challenging research training experience within the context of a mutually-beneficial research collaboration between academic and non-academic partner organisations. Joint supervision should provide the student with a unique and broadening perspective on the impact of collaborative research and allows the student to acquire novel skills and expertise.

Through the industrial placement, a CASE student will gain a more comprehensive understanding of, for example, applied research or policy development that will enhance their future career prospects. In addition to the experience of an industrial research environment, the student will receive business-related training, for example, in project management, business strategy and/or finance. BBSRC stipulates a placement period of a minimum of 3 months and up to a maximum of 18 months. The required placement period can be accrued through several shorter placements, if appropriate. Click here for full details on CASE studentships.

Project Outline

Modern technologies increasingly rely on wireless communication systems and increase human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Simultaneously, the proposals for new technologies aimed at high data-rates, connectivity and reliability, the impact on human health is often overlooked. There is compelling evidence that EMFs affect cell physiology by altering redox-related processes.

As the cell’s powerhouse, mitochondria play a central role in cellular homeostasis and changes in the cellular redox state. Imbalanced redox state proposed as a regulatory element in ageing and various neurological disorders. We previously described that oxidised lipids and proteins contribute to poor neuronal health.

Based on this evidence, we aim to investigate the hypothesis that the mitochondrial health in neurones is affected by EMF influencing mitochondrial bioenergetics and altering the redox state. We bring together a strong team coving mitochondrial health (Dr Dias), health impacts of oxidative stress (Dr Sanchez), communication networks (Professor Ellis), and EMF compliance (Industrial partner: EMT Ltd).

This team will enable us to emulate both EMF emulating those from next-generation technologies such as deployed for 5G and planned for 6G wireless networks, and conventional applications such as the EMF from switched-mode power supplies where product qualification often reveals high levels of both conducted and radiated EMF. A controlled environment (anechoic chambers and Faraday cages) will be developed to ensure uniform exposure of cell cultures to EMF over a frequency range of 50 MHz to 5GHz, with power spectral densities up to current FCC limits (7mW.cm-2 at 3 GHz).

For emulation of 5G networks, continuous-wave carriers will be modulated with bandwidths up to 200 MHz to investigate potential demodulation effects within the cell structure. Within various controlled EMF environments, we will explore the generation of reactive oxygen species in neuronal cells and (i) their effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics and overall health, (ii) the oxidative damage/modifications to mitochondrial proteins and lipids and (iii) the impact on neuronal excitability derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). By studying the effects of EMF on neurones and mitochondrial bioenergetics, this project will inform safe applications of future wireless communication systems.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is February 28, 2021 

Eligibility

The successful applicant should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) in a relevant subject. Full entry requirements for Aston University can be found on our website. 

Evidence of quantitative training is required. For example, AS or A level Maths, IB Standard or Higher Maths, or university level maths/statistics course.

Award Information

This studentship includes a fee bursary to cover the Home fees rate, plus a maintenance allowance of at least £15,285

Application Process

In order to apply for the MIBTP CASE PhD studentship you must: 

1. Check your eligibility.  
2. Complete a PhD application form on the Aston University website. From the drop-down options select School of Life and Health Sciences; October; Full time; Postgraduate Research; “Research Biomedical Sciences October 2021 Entry (Full-time)”. 
3. Notify MIBTP of your application by completing the online notification form; ensuring that you upload a current CV to the form. 
4. Review the MIBTP Data Privacy Policy to understand how we process your personal data. 
5. When completing the Aston University application form, you will need to ensure to include the following documents: 

• Copies of your academic qualifications for your Bachelor degree, and Masters degree (if studied); this should include both certificates and transcripts, and must be translated in to English. 
• A personal statement* 
• A copy of your current CV 
• Two academic references  
• Proof of your English Language proficiency for non-Native English speakers, further details can be found on our website 

*Please note that a project proposal is not required, however your Personal Statement should address your ability & knowledge of the research area.  Where applying for a specific project, please include the supervisor name, project title and project reference in your Personal Statement.  

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