MPhil/PhD opportunities in the School of Life Sciences (self-funded students only)

Sarcopenia is characterized by the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, regeneration, strength and function. It is most prevalent among the elderly population and is exacerbated among patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus.

Sarcopenia is associated with muscle weakness, lack of mobility, difficulty walking, reduced stamina, falls, frailty and mortality. Currently, there are no effective treatments available, and the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology are poorly understood. Utilisation of non-invasive approaches such as liquid biopsies to identify new potential early-stage biomarkers and therapeutic targets to treat Sarcopenia is paramount.

This study aims to examine the distinct expression patterns of a set of circulating miRNAs and circulating proteins in the serum/plasma of elderly patients with or without Sarcopenia. This analysis aims to assess the potential utility of these miRNAs and circulating proteins as biomarkers or in the exploration of therapeutic targets. Disease mechanisms will be investigated by the use of pharmacological inhibitors and knockdown studies in differentiated skeletal muscle myotubes cultured either as monocultures or 3D-bioprinting scaffolds. This research aims to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Sarcopenia, ultimately improving the wellbeing of Sarcopenia patients.

During this PhD studentship, the student will acquire essential experimental techniques including cell culturing, molecular pharmacology, RNA/protein isolation, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), microRNAs (miRNAs), proteomics, qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Previous experience in miRNAs and RNA-seq in liquid biopsies is desirable.

Please contact Dr Aikaterini Anagnostopoulou to discuss: [email protected]

The production of medicinal proteins in tobacco plants is an established platform, but heterologous production of small chemical compounds known as secondary metabolites is an emerging field. Plant secondary metabolites have provided some of the most important medications in our arsenal against disease such as paclitaxel, opioids, and the frontline antimalarial treatment: artemisinin.

However, plants which naturally produce these medicines are not amenable to large-scale agriculture. Hence the developing field of engineering tobacco, which is the second-highest biomass crop, grown globally, and can be easily genetically altered, to produce these important medicines.

Due to its medical importance, both as an antimalarial and also as a potential cancer chemotherapy and COVID19 treatment, several attempts have been made to produce artemisinin in tobacco. However, while these attempts did produce artemisinin or the penultimate precursor, they were thwarted by poor yields. The main reason for this has been proposed to be glycosylation – the process by which secondary metabolites are fused with a sugar molecule through enzymatic processes.

The project proposed herein will take an iterative approach to investigate the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway as a model for heterologous secondary metabolite production. We will investigate where the rate-limiting step(s) is in the pathway, genetically engineer the plant to prevent glycosylation, and produce secondary metabolites. Techniques routinely performed will include:

• Molecular biology including PCR, CRISPR, and cloning
• Biochemical techniques such as HP-TLC
• Cell biology, including cell culture and IC₅₀s

Please contact Dr Cathy Moore to discuss: [email protected]

Are you passionate about advancing healthcare and helping those affected by Long COVID? If you have an undergraduate degree in biomedical/bioinformatics/life science, and have experience of meta-analysis, machine learning and a good working knowledge of Python, join us on a groundbreaking PhD project to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in post-pandemic medicine.

What’s the problem? Long COVID affects millions of people worldwide, leaving them with long-lasting symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathing difficulties. Diagnosing it not easy as symptoms vary widely. There is no single test to confirm Long COVID. Diagnosis is currently made by relying on exclusion methods, which can delay proper treatment.

What’s the goal? We aim to create a reliable, evidence-based test algorithm to diagnose Long COVID. This project will combine the latest research to identify key markers of the condition and develop a laboratory algorithm that healthcare providers can use to diagnose patients quickly and accurately and serve as a tool to demonstrate prognosis and response to therapy.

Why does it matter? This work could transform lives. By identifying Long COVID early, patients can get the right care sooner, improving their quality of life. It will also help healthcare systems manage resources better and shape public health policies to support those affected.

What’s in it for you? This project offers the chance to make a real difference in global health. You’ll work with leading researchers, access cutting-edge tools, and develop skills in diagnostics and public health that will set you apart in your career. Apply today to be part of this exciting journey!

Please contact Dr David Gaze to discuss [email protected]

We are looking for an enthusiastic student to work on a project in which we will investigate if platelets act to protect or to harm neurons. Our recent research, along with accumulating reports by other research groups, shows that platelets are not only crucial for blood clotting, but also have a role in immunomodulation and in tissue regeneration. We have documented how the role of platelets switches from being beneficial to being detrimental for myelin-forming cells in the CNS, in a dose and time-dependent manner 

Your work will involve the generation and maintenance of mouse and human neurons, starting with Neural Stem Cells and the collection of fresh platelets from human donors. Neurons and platelets will be cross-cultured to study the effect of ageing (young and older platelet donors, fresh and long-cultured neurons) on the effects of platelets.

With this interdisciplinary project, we will determine if the presence of platelets within the brain tissue, a common finding in a range of age-related pathologies such as vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and progressive Multiple Sclerosis, is beneficial or detrimental and if there is scope for the clinical manipulation of platelets as part of the management of neurodegenerative disorders.

The place and the methodology: the School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster integrates research in a range of disciplines, and in this project, you will work with experts on the biology of neural stem cells (Dr Ilias Kazanis) and platelets (Dr Alastair Barr). You will develop wide-ranging skills in neuroscience (including stem cell and neuronal culture, microscopy and image analysis) and platelet biology and handling (FACS). You will need to grasp the key concepts of stem cell biology, haematology and neurodegeneration and develop new lines of investigation as the project progresses.

Please contact Dr Ilias Kazanis to discuss: [email protected]

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated PhD student to pursue a pioneering study on the roles of the gastrointestinal system in comprehending overtraining and burnout.

The project will focus on developing a persistent statement on how the gastrointestinal system plays a pivotal role in the onset of overtraining and burnout. A detailed analysis will be carried out to quantify hedonic preferences between the two conditions. Human studies will be carried out in parallel on cohorts of elite athletes and corporate individuals to determine changes in gut permeability markers, hormonal recognition, dietary analysis and microbiota differences.

The successful candidate will develop their skills as an independent researcher using state-of-the-art human physiology and nutrition laboratory, biochemical and nutritional analysis, molecular, and bioinformatics methods. They will also be expected to contribute significantly to impactful outputs for publication in scientific journals, presentation in international meetings and public engagement. The successful applicant will be supported by the interdisciplinary supervisory team with a significant publication track record, international collaborations and world-leading expertise in gastrointestinal function, human physiology, well-being and nutritional analysis.

Please contact Dr Lewis Mattin to discuss: [email protected]

Stroke impacts approximately 15 million people globally and is the leading cause of death in upper income countries as well as the third leading cause of death and leading cause of morbidity worldwide. Treatment for stroke, once it has occurred, has been limited with only one therapeutic agent available clinically that can treat 1-3% of stroke victims. Sulforaphane (SFN), is a naturally available isothiocyanate found in many cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage and appears to have potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pro-resolving properties.

This project will therefore investigate the potential neuroprotective efficacy and downstream cellular and molecular pathways of SFN in a human cell-culture model of stroke known as Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation.

Please contact Dr Maria Ashioti to discuss: [email protected]

The aim of this project is to identify novel biomarkers from maternal blood plasma for the prediction and better management of preeclampsia during pregnancy.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to develop a novel multimodal non-invasive test for early detection of preeclampsia, a major pregnancy complication affecting millions worldwide. This project combines proteomics and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) profiling to identify new biomarkers, improving early diagnosis of late-onset preeclampsia. You will integrate biomarker discovery with existing clinical data using patient samples. HTA training would be mandatory.

This project will suit candidates with hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation) and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail and good organisation skills are mandatory. Experience in omics and NGS data analysis using bioinformatic pipelines would be an advantage.

This is a combination of wet lab and dry lab projects with the potential of developing a model for better prediction and classification of pregnancies at risk. This research offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in women’s health by developing a non-invasive assay for early detection using biomarkers found in maternal circulation. By joining this project, you can be pivotal in transforming fetal medicine, improving pregnancy outcomes, and addressing a critical global healthcare challenge.

Please contact Dr Maria Neofytou to discuss: [email protected]

Skin disorders affect more than a third of the global population constituting almost a quarter of all human diseases. These range from conditions such as psoriasis that have psychosocial impact, to skin cancers that are a cause of morbidity and mortality.

The Centre for Nutraceuticals has a leading international reputation in the evaluation of bioactive and development of these innovative carrier systems for therapeutic efficacy. Our recent preliminary work has screened and identified novel botanical antioxidants that demonstrate potential in protecting the skin against oxidative damage and inflammation. The project aims to develop novel biopolymer-based nanocarriers encapsulating these pre-screened bioactive antioxidant nutraceutical agents for targeted skin therapeutic applications and assess their safety and efficacy utilising monolayer 2D cultures progressing to gold standard organotypic 3D cultures.

The PhD candidate will benefit from training in a host of multi-disciplinary skills ranging from formulation science and nanotechnology to a portfolio of cell biology techniques (e.g. cell culture, immunoassays, confocal microscopy). In addition, they will gain valuable experience in research innovation and entrepreneurship. As evident from the track-record of the Centre, this project has significant potential to acquire industry funding for further research and potential commercial opportunities.

Please contact Prof. M. Gulrez Zariwala to discuss: [email protected]

We are looking for a PhD student to develop a 3D in vitro model of human gut to model human gut-microbiome interactions. Environmental factors such as microgravity, radiation and hypomagnetic fields (HMF) may alter microbial function and lead to microbiome dysbiosis during spaceflights. However, the extent of these alterations and the exact mechanisms are yet to be determined.

In this project, the core human microbiome will be constructed using synthetic microbial communities and analysed to characterise phenotypic and genotypic modifications before and after exposure to HMF. Additionally, a human 3D gut model will be developed using intestinal epithelial cell-lines. The model will be co-cultured with the constructed microbiome and immune cells to examine host-gut microbiome interactions under HMF condition and determine whether HMF can lead to gut microbiome dysbiosis and inflammation. This project will enhance our understanding of human gut microbiome behaviour in space exploration, aiming to support a healthy microbiome by preventing dysbiosis or developing therapeutic alternatives.

The successful candidate will gain expertise in developing 3D in vitro models, constructing synthetic microbial communities, whole genome sequencing, metabolomics, and immunological techniques. They will also have the opportunity to present at national and international conferences.

Please contact Dr Nazila Jafari to discuss: [email protected]

Are you passionate about advancing healthcare and transforming the future of cardiovascular diagnostics? Be part of a research team addressing a critical healthcare gap with life-changing potential. Help shape the future of cardiovascular diagnostics, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to developing innovative, cost-effective solutions.

About the project: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic tools. When cardiac tissue is damaged—whether from apoptosis or necrosis—it releases distinct molecular signatures into circulation. These biomarkers hold immense potential for revolutionising CVD detection and patient management. This PhD project aims to identify and validate proteomic and metabolomic biomarkers associated with cardiac apoptosis and necrosis, ultimately developing targeted biomarkers for early detection of cardiac damage. This innovative approach could enhance diagnostic accuracy, facilitate timely interventions, and drive personalised treatment for high-risk cardiovascular patients.

Why this research matters: This study could redefine cardiovascular care by integrating a multi-marker biomarker panel with existing diagnostic tools like imaging and troponin assays. By enabling earlier, more precise detection of cardiac damage, this research can potentially improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of CVD globally.

What you’ll gain:

• opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cardiovascular research
• hands-on experience with biomarker development and validation
• collaboration with leading experts in molecular diagnostics and cardiovascular medicine
• a chance to make a tangible impact on global healthcare and patient care

Who we’re looking for: We seek a motivated candidate with a strong background in molecular biology techniques (experience with DNA extraction, PCR essential). Knowledge of proteomics or metabolomics techniques (desirable) and experience in Next-Generation Sequencing (preferred)

Apply now and be part of an innovative research team and help shape the future of cardiovascular diagnostics.

For more information contact Dr Priya Gururajan to discuss: [email protected]

Palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC) is part of the human right to health. It should be a sustainable, high quality and accessible system that is integrated into primary care, community and home-based care. Food, nutrition and hydration are critical to the well-being of people living in PEoLC. Beyond nutrition, food is relational, providing love and care and holds cultural, social and spiritual meanings. It has a significant psychological impact, especially with taste and appetite changes due to illness and treatments.

Based on the Lancet’s Commission on the Value of Death, this research takes a systems approach to examine the current state and needs of food and nutrition provisioning in PEoLC in London. It will map the policy terrain and explore the system's capacity and capabilities: the key components, organisations, people, the balance of professional and lay helpers, communities, connections, gaps, points of leverage, opportunities and innovation for interventions. This knowledge is important to inform the public health approach to death and dying and the role of food and nutrition in death literacy. 

The PhD researcher will need a professional background in primary care as a dietitian or in public health nutrition. Applicants with other medical backgrounds relevant to PEoLC would be considered. Experience in the whole systems approach, mixed methods, including participatory methods, is essential for the researcher to co-design, with partners across sectors and communities, the development of a systems map of food and nutrition in PEoLC in London.

Please contact Dr Sharon Noonan-Gunning to discuss: [email protected]