PhD Studentship: APOE-Driven Neuron–Glia Neuropathy

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fees funded

Stipend £21,805 per annum

Job summary

University of Exeter invites applications for a PhD studentship focusing on how APOE genotype influences human sensory neurons and Schwann cells under diabetic stress. The project builds isogenic neuron-glia co-cultures and uses MEAs and patch-clamp to assess network activity and neuron function.

Long-read RNA sequencing will identify transcript-level changes and isoform switching, helping to pinpoint pathways and candidate genes for therapeutic targeting.

Qualifications

• Experience with stem cell–based neuronal cultures.
• Experience with electrophysiology techniques (MEA/patch-clamp).
• Knowledge of RNA sequencing and isoform analysis.

Responsibilities

• Establish isogenic neuron-Schwann cell co-cultures carrying APOE genotypes.
• Assess cell survival, nerve fibre integrity and network activity under high glucose/cytokine challenge.
• Determine which cell carries the risk using mixed co-cultures with genotype-specific carriers.
• Profile monocultures and co-cultures via long-read RNA sequencing; analyze isoforms.
• Test candidate genes to rescue the phenotype under study.

Skills

Stem cell culture

Microelectrode arrays

Patch clamp

RNA sequencing

Long-read sequencing

Data analysis

Job description

University of Exeter invites applications for a PhD studentship focusing on how APOE genotype influences human sensory neurons and Schwann cells under diabetic stress. The project builds isogenic neuron-glia co-cultures and uses MEAs and patch-clamp to assess network activity and neuron function.

Long-read RNA sequencing will identify transcript-level changes and isoform switching, helping to pinpoint pathways and candidate genes for therapeutic targeting.