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Autoantibody-Autoimmunity in Symptom-Based Disorders

Funding
Self-funded
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Apply by
Year round
Start date
Year round
Subject area
Health Sciences and Nursing
How to apply
Change country or region

We’re currently showing entry requirements and other information for applicants with qualifications from United Kingdom.

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If your country or region isn’t listed here, please contact us with any questions about studying with us.

Overview

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is characterised by motor dysfunction without tissue destruction, and its causes are unknown. This project will assess the role of pathogenic IgG serum autoantibodies in causing or contributing to FND and one other symptom-based disorder.

About this opportunity

This project built on successful work in fibromyalgia syndrome (Goebel et al., 2021 https://www.jci.org/articles/view/144201). The project aims to establish whether function-changing IgG antibodies are present in the serum of patients with functional neurological disorder (motor subtype), and one other symptom-based disorder (likely fluoroquinolone toxicity), and explore binding pattern and downstream disease mechanisms. The project is best suited for a candidate with a strongly translational, or a clinical interest, i.e. with a strong interest in research with direct relevance to patients.

The candidate will establish a passive IgG murine-transfer models for FND. They will learn to master various methods of rodent assessment in order to record any specific transfer phenotype. They will also conduct work to identify antibody binding and down-stream effects involving immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and other technologies.

Further reading

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.15.652596v1

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/andreas-goebel

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Who is this for?

Those applying for a postgraduate research degree should have at least a UK 2:1 Bachelor’s degree, or a UK 2:2 Bachelor’s degree plus a Master’s degree (or acceptable international equivalent).

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Supervisor title and name Email address
    Prof. Andreas Goebel andreas.goebel@liverpool.ac.uk

    Email your CV, cover letter and project title to andreas.goebel@liverpool.ac.uk

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • English language certificates (international applicants only)
    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Contact details for two proposed supervisors
    • Names and contact details of two referees.

  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

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Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £5,238

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,200

Fees stated are for 2026/27 academic year

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project, as well as general student living costs.

Funding your PhD

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £23,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.
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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Prof Andreas Goebel
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