PhD in experimental medicine – obesity and diabetes

HIRANI; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Maintenance stipend £21,000 per year

RTSG funding available

Job summary

HIRANI invites applications for a PhD in experimental medicine focusing on obesity and diabetes. The project evaluates peptide effects on glucose tolerance and energy intake in healthy individuals, with responsibilities spanning experimental studies and clinical translation.

Strong proposal writing and conference presentation skills are desirable. The scholarship is funded by the Department for the Economy, with a maintenance allowance of £21,000 per year and a Research Training Support Grant,

Qualifications

• Honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.
• Experience with experimental design and data analysis in biomedical research.
• Ability to develop a comprehensive research proposal and personal statement.

Responsibilities

• Assess acute and short-term effects of each peptide on glucose tolerance using OGTT.
• Measure changes in energy intake following peptide administration.
• Evaluate peptide pharmacokinetics and safety profiles in humans.
• Explore mechanisms via hormonal assays and appetite-related questionnaires.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.

Skills

Research methods experience

Scientific writing

Conference presentation

Education

First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree

Master's Degree with Distinction

Equivalent qualifications considered

Job description

PhD in experimental medicine - obesity and diabetes

Hormone peptides such as A and B have demonstrated promising effects on glucose metabolism and appetite regulation in preclinical models and thus may offer novel therapeutic avenues for metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity.

However, their efficacy and safety in humans remains unexplored. This PhD programme will seek to take the first critical step towards clinical translation of this work by using experimental medicine studies to evaluate the impact of these peptides on glucose tolerance and energy intake in healthy individuals.

Specific Objectives

Assess acute and short-term effects of each peptide on glucose tolerance using oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT).

Measure changes in energy intake following peptide administration using standardised ad libitum meal protocols.

Evaluate peptide pharmacokinetics and safety profiles in humans.

Explore potential mechanisms via hormonal assays (e.g., insulin, GLP-1, ghrelin) and appetite-related questionnaires.

Outcomes from this work will provide foundational insights into the therapeutic potential of these peptides for the treatment of obesity complicated by diabetes.

The proposed project offers the PhD researcher the opportunity to develop a wide skillset by drawing data from both experimental studies and research in the clinical setting, as well as benefiting from training initiatives organised by the Doctoral College.

The researcher will be expected and strongly encouraged to present their research findings at national and international conferences.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master's Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

Masters at 70%

Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES

Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Publications record appropriate to career stage

Experience of presentation of research findings

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a UK National, or

Have settled status, or

Have pre-settled status, or

Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part‑time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period