Deciphering the Aggregatome: Unraveling Alpha-Synuclein Seeding Drivers in Parkinson’s Disease

Supervisors:  Prof Laura Parkkinen and Dr Livia Civitelli (University of Oxford, www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/laura-parkkinen)

Parkinson’s disease progresses at different rates in different people, but the reasons remain unclear. A key pathological feature of the disease is the aggregation of alpha-synuclein, yet the molecular factors that determine its ability to spread (“seed”) are still poorly understood. This project aims to identify the aggregatome—the molecular environment surrounding alpha-synuclein aggregates, including proteins, post-translational modifications (PTMs), lipids, glycosaminoglycans, and other cofactors—that influences alpha-synuclein seeding. By analysing samples from the brain, cerebrospinal fluid, blood, skin, and stool, the project seeks to improve our understanding of disease progression and support the development of better biomarkers and personalized therapies.

The project is part of the ASAP (Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s) Collaborative Research Network (CRN), a collaboration between the University of Oxford, the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, and LMU Munich (https://www.asapcrn.org/research-community/teams/mann/.) Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in seed amplification assays, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, advanced biochemistry, neuropathology, and access to unique longitudinal patient cohorts with matched biosamples.

The research will be based in the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford, which offers a world-class research environment, cutting-edge facilities, and close integration with clinical practice. The department provides outstanding laboratory infrastructure, technical support, and a wide range of seminars, specialist meetings, and training courses that promote collaboration and professional development.

In addition to supervision from Prof. Parkkinen and Dr Civitelli, the successful candidate will receive day-to-day laboratory support from senior scientists and work alongside PhD students and postdoctoral researchers with expertise in spatial omics, proteomics, and amyloid biology. The studentship also offers extensive opportunities for international collaboration through the ASAP network, including data sharing via the CRN Cloud.

Eligibilty: This studentship is funded by the ASAP CRN and both Home and Overseas students are welcome to apply. Please note, however, that this studentship covers UK home fees only and UKRI-matched stipend. Overseas students would need to fund the difference between home and international fees themselves.

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Prof Laura Parkkinen (laura.parkkinen@ndcn.ox.ac.uk).

Please contact graduate@ndcn.ox.ac.uk with any admission process-related questions.

Candidates must submit a graduate application to the DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences, and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria. Details are available here.

Application deadline: noon Friday 7th August, 2026.