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MRC NW-DMS DLA programme: How pollution drives brain ageing: understanding its contribution to neurodegenerative pathologies

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
Apply by
Start date
Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
How to apply
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Overview

Diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are devastating conditions that cause our brain cells to progressively decay. Only a small fraction of these diseases is inherited through a single faulty gene, the overwhelming majority, over 90% are sporadic, meaning they are caused by a complex combination of genetic susceptibility, ageing, and environmental factors.

About this opportunity

Recent landmark research has exposed air pollution as a major driver of brain decay, yet this critical intersection of environmental science and neurobiology remains largely uncharted territory.

Every day, we breathe in and ingest, through our food and water, fine particulate matter PM2.5 pollutants. These particles are the invisible byproducts of modern urban infrastructure and intensive agriculture. Once inside our systems, they can translocate directly into our brain tissue. However, the exact mechanisms by which these environmental factors disrupt the natural ageing clock and cause healthy brain cells to degenerate remain unknown.

During this PhD, the student will:

  1. Utilise cell biology, neurodegeneration models, and biochemical approaches to assess the impact of pollutants on organelle transport, mitochondrial health, and the structural decay of the neuron’s cytoskeleton.
  2. Deploy RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) and omics approaches to map the transcriptional trajectories of pollution-accelerated brain ageing in controls and disease models, identifying uniquely vulnerable neuronal subpopulations and tracking specific pathways that change upon pollutant exposure.
  3. Leverage genetics and pharmacological interventions to investigate and validate the core molecular mechanisms mediating the negative effects of these environmental pollutants.

This multi-disciplinary project offers an exceptional cross-institutional training environment, equipping the student with a highly competitive and versatile biomedical skillset. By bridging invertebrate discovery genetics with translational toxicology, the student will receive comprehensive, hands-on training in advanced cell biology, primary cell culture, and in vivo workflows. Furthermore, they will master essential laboratory techniques including genetics, immunohistochemistry, and biochemistry, alongside cutting-edge platforms in high-resolution imaging, genomics, and bioinformatics.

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Who is this for?

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in neuroscience or cell biology or a relevant subject area. Research experience in neuroscience or cell biology is desirable.

International applicants

We are only able to offer a limited number of full studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.

International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before applying. Visit our English Language requirements page to find out more.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Supervisory team:

    Before you Apply

    Browse our MRC NW-DMS DLA projects and discover one you’re passionate about that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.

    Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    All applications to University of Liverpool projects should be submitted via the Microsoft Forms link:

    MRC NW-DMS DLA candidate application form 2027/28 entry – University of Liverpool – Fill in form

    You may apply for up to two projects from the programme at University of Liverpool via this scheme. To do so, submit a single online application form selecting both project titles you wish to apply to.

    Following your online form submission, you should then email with the following supporting documents:

    • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • Supporting Statement
    • Academic Certificates and Transcripts
    • English Language certificates where required
    • Passport photo page copy

    Please use the email subject line: MRC NW-DMS DLA application [insert your full name] so we can match your email submission to your online form submission. Please ensure you use exactly the same first name and surname on this form and on your email. You must submit both your online form and the required supporting documents by the deadline.

    If applying for two University of Liverpool projects, you only need to submit the supporting documents once.

    Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

    Applications should not be made through the University of Liverpool’s application portal.

    Once you have completed your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

    Deadline: Friday 27th November 2026, midnight UK time

    Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

    If you need help with this stage of the process, or have any queries regarding your eligibility (such as if you achieved unexpectedly low degree results due to extenuating circumstances), please contact the Liverpool NW-DMS team for advice at

    Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

    Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Liverpool, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on our website.

  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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Funding your PhD

These studentships are available to UK and international applicants, and provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate, subject to eligibility, for four years. This does not include any costs associated with relocation. This scheme is open to both UK and international applicants.

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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.

Liverpool NW-DMS team
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