Fixed-term

Details The MSc by Research programme at the University of Aberdeen is for students interested in a research-intensive master’s degree. It is designed specifically to enhance your skills for a PhD or research career. If you have your own ideas for a research project in this area, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to one of the project supervisors above to discuss your ideas. You can find further information about our academic requirements and MSc by Research programme structure here. Project Description: Fungal infections have increased substantially worldwide and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among critically ill patients. Glucose homeostasis is critical for host outcomes during systemic Candida species infection. People with diabetes are more susceptible but it is also recognised that diabetes therapies enhance susceptibility to fungal infection. For example, in animal studies metformin lowers glucose levels and consequently immune cells depleted of glucose die. Similarly, SGLT2 inhibitors reduce reabsorption of glucose but in humans are associated with urinary tract fungal infections. We have recently shown that a potential therapy PTP1B inhibition increases the susceptibility to Candida albicans infection in experimental models where the fungus depletes glucose levels in susceptible organs. However, the exact immunometabolic molecular mechanisms underpinning how anti-diabetic medicines, despite their health benefits, can increase infection susceptibility and whether this is different in diabetic and non-diabetic conditions is lacking. The key aim of this research project is to fully analyse and define the mechanisms by which anti-diabetic medicines influence the functions of the immune cells, neutrophils and macrophages that fight fungal infection, specifically: What are the biological effects of anti-diabetic drugs on human neutrophil and macrophage function regarding their ability to engulf and kill invading fungal species? What are the alterations in metabolism and intracellular signalling pathways in these immune cells, subsequently affecting functions relating to infection susceptibility? Do anti-diabetic medicines change the efficacy of anti-fungal medicines and change the course and level of fungal infection? To address these aims, the student will receive extensive training in our well-established infection models, neutrophil and human blood macrophage isolation and culture, multicolour flow cytometry, high powered confocal and real time imaging microscopy, fungal killing, antifungal susceptibility assays and phagocytosis assays and novel intracellular signalling analysis/metabolic profiling (Seahorse metabolic flux) and molecular biology techniques. A strong emphasis will be placed on training in experimental design, data analysis, data management, report writing and presentations. The studies will help inform future drug development as to the best preventative measures to protect against increased susceptibility of people with diabetes to C. albicans infection. Applicants to this project should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a biomedical science-related subject. We actively encourage applications from diverse career paths and backgrounds and across all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status, amongst other protected characteristics. We also invite applications from those returning from a career break, industry or other roles. We typically require a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or equivalent), but exceptions can be made where applicants can demonstrate excellence in alternative ways, including, but not limited to, performance in masters courses, professional placements, internships or employment. Informal enquiries are encouraged, please contact Professor Heather Wilson (h.m.wilson@abdn.ac.uk) for further information. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please note: This is a self-funded opportunity. Prospective students should contact the lead supervisor (via the email address listed above) to discuss the research project and complete a proposal form prior to / or shortly after applying. Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php You should apply for Medical Sciences (MSc) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team. Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and the project title on the application form. If this is not included, your application may not be considered for the project. Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) at undergraduate level. Your application must include: a personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts. If you are still undertaking your undergraduate degree, it is helpful to the selection panel if you could provide documentation showing your grades to date (this can be a screenshot from an online portal). Please note: Project supervisors will not respond to requests for funding assistance. If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk Funding Notes This is a self-funding project open to students worldwide. Our typical start dates for this programme are in February or October, however we may be able to accommodate start dates in other months if this is preferred. Current fees for this programme are £5,006 for home/UK students, and £27,300 for international students. Additional research costs/bench fees of £4,000 will also apply to this MSc by Research programme. Apply Now

Details The MSc by Research programme at the University of Aberdeen is for students interested in a research-intensive master’s degree. It is designed specifically to enhance your skills for a PhD or research career. You can find further information about our academic requirements and MSc by Research programme structure here. In 2009 Candidozyma auris (previously Candida auris) emerged in Japan as a human fungal pathogen. C. auris is the most drug-resistant yeast pathogen and has spread quickly across all continents causing outbreaks in hospitals. Mortality rates in systemic infection are high even when antifungal therapy was applied. C. auris isolates are commonly (multi)drug-resistant, environmentally persistent, and spread from person to person. C. auris is a skin colonizer, and patients are therefore in danger of becoming infected from contaminated medical equipment. Many clinical C. auris isolates are resistant to at least one, often more, antifungal drugs; this is problematic as only four classes of antifungals are currently available for combatting systemic fungal infections. For these reasons C. auris has been categorized as a critical priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). Due to the recent emergence of C. auris as a pathogen, we are largely ignorant about its general biological traits and lack experimental tools. This incomplete fundamental understanding of the pathogenic potential of C. auris impedes our capacity to explain its sudden emergence, rapid global spread, and unique phenotypic characteristics. My team is interested in developing new toolkits to genetically manipulate C. auris, which will allow us to probe the biology of C. auris as a pathogen. Transposon-based screens are incredibly powerful tools to elucidate the biology of any organism. The widely used piggyBac-transposon will serve as a mutagenesis tool to dissect genes important for susceptibility to antifungal drugs. My team has constructed a first version of a programmable piggyBac-transposon mutagenesis system for use in C. auris. During this MSc by Research project this system will be further adapted and employed to screen for mutants showing altered susceptibility to antifungal drugs. This approach will identify novel genes important for antifungal drug resistance. Phenotyping of mutants will include a broad range of microbiological, genetic, molecular, and bioinformatic techniques which will enable the candidate to develop a number of laboratory and analytical skills. The candidate will also benefit from being part of a large research team studying fungal pathogens and will be able to draw on a wide range of expertise in a supportive environment. Ultimately, this project will establish a novel toolkit to genetically manipulate C. auris that will be tremendously powerful for discovering new antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in this critical-priority fungal pathogen. Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be directed to Dr Alexander Lorenz (a.lorenz@abdn.ac.uk). Candidate Background: We actively encourage applications from diverse career paths and backgrounds and across all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status, amongst other protected characteristics. We also invite applications from those returning from a career break, industry or other roles. We typically require a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or equivalent), but exceptions can be made where applicants can demonstrate excellence in alternative ways, including, but not limited to, performance in masters courses, professional placements, internships or employment. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please note: This is a self-funded opportunity only. Prospective students should contact the lead supervisor (via the email address listed above) to discuss the research project and complete a proposal form prior to / or shortly after applying. Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php You should apply for Medical Sciences (MSc) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team. Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and the project title on the application form. Your application must include: a personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts. If you are still undertaking your undergraduate degree, it is helpful to the selection panel if you could provide documentation showing your grades to date (this can be a screenshot from an online portal). Please note: Project supervisors will not respond to requests for funding assistance. If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk Funding Notes This is a self-funding project open to students worldwide. Our typical start dates for this programme are October/ February, however we may be able to accommodate start dates in other months if this is preferred. Fees for this programme are currently £5,006 for home/UK students, and £27,300 for international students. Additional research costs/bench fees of £3,000 will also apply to the MSc by Research programme. References Bravo Ruiz G, Lorenz A (2021). What do we know about the biology of the emerging fungal pathogen of humans Candida auris? Microbiol Res 242: 126621. Gao J, Wang H, Li Z, Wong AH-H, Wang Y-Z, Guo Y, et al. (2018). Candida albicans gains azole resistance by altering sphingolipid composition. Nat Commun 9: 4495. Ostrowsky B, Greenko J, Adams E, Quinn M, O’Brien B, Chaturvedi V, et al. (2020). Candida auris isolates resistant to three classes of antifungal medications – New York, 2019. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 69: 6–9. Apply Now

Details The MSc by Research programme at the University of Aberdeen is for students interested in a research-intensive master’s degree. It is designed specifically to enhance your skills for a PhD or research career. You can find further information about our academic requirements and MSc by Research programme structure here. Patients with cancer are at increased risk of developing life-threatening blood clots (thrombosis). Cancer associated thrombosis (CAT) increases the risk of mortality approximately 3-fold risk compared to cancer patients without CAT and non-fatal thrombosis impacts patient quality of life. Most research on the mechanisms of the development of CAT has focused on the procoagulant (clot formation) mechanisms. For example, cancer cells and their extracellular vesicles express tissue factor (TF) and podoplanin which activate extrinsic coagulation and platelet aggregation through C-type lectin receptor 2, respectively. However, the persistence and stability of a thrombus is determined by both coagulation and thrombus breakdown (fibrinolysis). The fibrinolytic system involves activation of the zymogen plasminogen to plasmin via cleavage by plasminogen activators. Fibrinolysis is regulated by inhibitors of plasminogen activation, plasmin and by down regulation of plasminogen binding sites on fibrin. Disruption of any of these steps can lead to hypo/hyperfibrinolysis. In normal physiology there are several cells that contain fibrinolytic proteins including platelets and endothelial cells. Tumour cells also utilise the fibrinolytic system for processes such as angiogenesis and metastasis. This project aims to establish a breast cancer tumour microenvironment model to study the impact on platelet and endothelial regulation of fibrinolysis. We will model a proinflammatory tumour microenvironment using breast cancer cell monolayers or 3D mammospheres stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines. Co-culture models will be utilised to determine the impact on gene expression and protein release, exposure and activity in endothelial cells and platelets. The successful candidate will gain experience in cell culture, platelet isolation, haemostatic assays qPCR, Western blotting and fluorescence microscopy. Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be directed to Dr Claire Whyte (c.s.whyte@abdn.ac.uk). Candidate Background: It would be an advantage to have cell culture experience but training will be provided. We actively encourage applications from diverse career paths and backgrounds and across all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status, amongst other protected characteristics. We also invite applications from those returning from a career break, industry or other roles. We typically require a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or equivalent), but exceptions can be made where applicants can demonstrate excellence in alternative ways, including, but not limited to, performance in masters courses, professional placements, internships or employment. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please note: This is a self-funded opportunity only. Prospective students should contact the lead supervisor (via the email address listed above) to discuss the research project and complete a proposal form prior to / or shortly after applying. Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php You should apply for Medical Sciences (MSc) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team. Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and the project title on the application form. Your application must include: a personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts. If you are still undertaking your undergraduate degree, it is helpful to the selection panel if you could provide documentation showing your grades to date (this can be a screenshot from an online portal). Please note: Project supervisors will not respond to requests for funding assistance. If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk Funding Notes This is a self-funding project open to students worldwide. Our typical start dates for this programme are October/ February, however we may be able to accommodate start dates in other months if this is preferred. Fees for this programme are currently £5,006 for home/UK students, and £27,300 for international students. Additional research costs/bench fees of £3,000 will also apply to the MSc by Research programme. References 1. Sabrkhany S, Kuijpers MJE, Oude Egbrink MGA, Griffioen AW. Platelets as messengers of early-stage cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2021;40(2):563-573. 2. Dhami SPS, Patmore S, Comerford C, et al. Breast cancer cells mediate endothelial cell activation, promoting von Willebrand factor release, tumor adhesion, and transendothelial migration. J Thromb Haemost. 2022;20(10):2350-2365. 3. Tinholt M, Tekpli X, Torland LA, et al. The breast cancer coagulome in the tumor microenvironment and its role in prognosis and treatment response to chemotherapy. J Thromb Haemost. 2024;22(5):1319-1335. Apply Now

Details These projects are open to students worldwide, but have no funding attached. Therefore, the successful applicant will be expected to fund tuition fees at the relevant level (home or international) and any applicable additional research costs. Please consider this before applying. Sex steroids, including androgens, play a central role in regulating cellular function, metabolism, reproduction and cancer. The androgen testosterone acts through the androgen receptor (AR), which is a ligand-activated transcription factor that controls gene expression in a tissue-specific way. Although the effects of AR activation downstream are well studied, the mechanisms controlling AR expression itself, particularly its self-regulation and feedback in response to changing hormone levels, remain poorly understood. These mechanisms are likely to be crucial for maintaining muscle and bone integrity, as well as cardiovascular health, during ageing when testosterone levels naturally decline. Research aim This project aims to develop and validate mathematical models that describe the self-regulatory feedback of the androgen receptor under varying testosterone concentrations. Specifically, we will model how fluctuations in hormone levels influence receptor expression, imerization, DNA binding and downstream gene regulation in different cell types. Methodology The student will construct and analyse ordinary differential equation (ODE) models of AR-mediated signalling, integrating biological data from laboratory studies in prostate cells. Model parameters will be calibrated using experimental measurements, and model predictions will be compared with observed gene expression patterns. The project will also explore extensions such as stochastic models of single-cell responses and network models of AR-regulated genes. Training and environment The project provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary training at the intersection of mathematical biology and molecular endocrinology. Students will gain expertise in: – mathematical modelling of gene regulatory networks; – construction and numerical solution of ordinary differential equation (ODE) systems; – analysis of dynamical systems and sensitivity; – interpretation of experimental data and model validation. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with experimental biologists, providing an excellent opportunity to connect theoretical modelling with real-world biological insights. The project also allows flexibility for students to pursue specific research interests. Impact Improving our quantitative understanding of androgen receptor feedback control could inform therapeutic strategies for conditions related to hormonal ageing and androgen signalling, such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis and prostate disease. Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Dr E Ullner (e.ullner@abdn.ac.uk). Decisions will be based on academic merit. The successful applicant should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours Degree at 2.1 (or equivalent) in in a relevant discipline. This is an interdisciplinary project, and full training will be provided across the different areas involved. Candidates are expected to have prior knowledge or strong aptitude in one or more of the following fields, together with enthusiasm to learn the others: · Theoretical biology or bioinformatics · Physics or applied mathematics · Numerical methods for solving differential equations · Programming (e.g. C, MATLAB, Python, or Mathematica) · Parameter fitting and data analysis · Dynamical systems theory and complex networks A good command of written and spoken English is essential. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team. Application Procedure: Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php. You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Physics to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing. Please clearly note the name of the lead supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not include these details, it may not be considered for the project. Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts. Please note: you do not need to provide a research proposal with this application. If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at researchadmissions@abdn.ac.uk Funding Notes This is a self-funding project open to students worldwide. Our typical start dates for this programme are February or October. Fees for this programme can be found here Finance and Funding | Study Here | The University of Aberdeen. References 1. Heinlein, C.A. & Chang, C. (2002). Androgen receptor (AR) coregulators: an overview. Endocrine Reviews, 23(2), 175–200. → A clear introduction to androgen receptor biology and regulation. 2. Claessens, F. & McEwan, I.J. (2023). The androgen receptor and androgen-dependent gene regulation: mechanisms, models, and implications. Endocrine Reviews, 44(2), 123–147. → Comprehensive and authoritative review by a leading researcher in the field. 3. Liu, X., et al. (2017). Regulation of androgen receptor transcriptional activity by feedback mechanisms. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 59(1), R1–R14. → Explores AR feedback control and hormone-dependent regulation. 4. Alon, U. (2019). An Introduction to Systems Biology: Design Principles of Biological Circuits (2nd ed.). Chapman & Hall/CRC. → Highly readable textbook introducing mathematical and theoretical biology concepts, including gene regulation and feedback. 5. Tyson, J.J. & Novák, B. (2015). Models in biology: lessons from modeling regulation of the eukaryotic cell cycle. BMC Biology, 13:46. → Excellent example of using differential equations to study biological feedback systems. 6. Wilkinson, D.J. (2009). Stochastic modelling for quantitative description of heterogeneous biological systems. Nature Reviews Genetics, 10(2), 122–133. → Overview of stochastic and quantitative modelling approaches in biology. Apply Now

Details The MSc by Research programme at the University of Aberdeen is for students interested in a research-intensive master’s degree. It is designed specifically to enhance your skills for a PhD or research career. You can find further information about our academic requirements and MSc by Research programme structure here. Candida albicans is a fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Currently there are only three main classes of antifungal drugs, and antifungal drug tolerance and resistance negatively impact on effective treatment of these infections. Mutation in drug targets can lead to drug resistance but the cellular mechanisms that lead to drug tolerance (the ability to grow slowly in the presence of normally inhibitory drug concentrations) remain poorly understood. Recently the Munro group completed the generation of a genome-wide library of overexpression mutants to improve C. albicans functional genomics through high throughput phenotyping. In this project we will utilise this new mutant collection to identify genes, that when overexpressed influence drug susceptibility, gaining a mechanistic understanding of the fungal response to antifungal agents. The focus primarily will be on cell signalling and cell wall related genes. Mutants identified to have altered drug tolerance will be characterised in more detail for changes in cell wall composition, biofilm formation and altered interactions with immune cells. Together this will generate knowledge of how gain-of-function mutations influence the drug susceptibility and pathobiology of C. albicans. The key aim of this research project is to gain an understanding of the mechanisms that lead to antifungal drug tolerance in the major pathogen Candida albicans. Specific aims: Screen signalling and cell wall mutants from an overexpression library for altered echinocandin and azole drug tolerance phenotypes using growth assays. Analyse drug tolerant mutants for changes in cell wall composition and biofilm formation. Assess the phagocytosis of the drug tolerant mutants by murine macrophages in the presence and absence of antifungal drug treatment. The student will receive extensive training in fungal cell growth, antifungal susceptibility and biofilm assays. They will gain in-depth experience in fluorescence and real time imaging microscopy, tissue culture and phagocytosis assays. They will learn to work independently and as part of a research team. Outside of the laboratory they will acquire skills in experimental planning and design, data recording, data and image analysis, data management, scientific writing and presentations. Informal enquiries are encouraged, please contact Professor Carol Munro  (c.a.munro@abdn.ac.uk) for further information. Candidate Background: Applicants should ideally hold a BSc in Microbiology/Molecular Biology or a related subject. We actively encourage applications from diverse career paths and backgrounds and across all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status, amongst other protected characteristics. We also invite applications from those returning from a career break, industry or other roles. We typically require a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or equivalent), but exceptions can be made where applicants can demonstrate excellence in alternative ways, including, but not limited to, performance in masters courses, professional placements, internships or employment. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please note: This is a self-funded opportunity only. Prospective students should contact the lead supervisor (via the email address listed above) to discuss the research project and complete a proposal form prior to / or shortly after applying. Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php You should apply for Medical Sciences (MSc) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team. Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and the project title on the application form. Your application must include: a personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts. If you are still undertaking your undergraduate degree, it is helpful to the selection panel if you could provide documentation showing your grades to date (this can be a screenshot from an online portal). Please note: Project supervisors will not respond to requests for funding assistance. If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk Funding Notes This is a self-funding project open to students worldwide. Our typical start dates for this programme are October/ February, however we may be able to accommodate start dates in other months if this is preferred. Fees for this programme are currently £5,006 for home/UK students, and £27,300 for international students. Additional research costs/bench fees of £3,000 will also apply to the MSc by Research programme. References • Chauvel, M., Bachellier-Bassi, S., Guérout, A.M., Lee, K.K., Maufrais, C., Permal, E., Da Fonseca,J.P., Znaidi, S., Mazel, D., Munro,C.A., d’Enfert, C., Legrand, M. (2023) High-throughput functional profiling of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans genome. Research in Microbiology 174(3):104025 • Walker, L.A. and Munro, C.A. (2020) Caspofungin induced cell wall changes of Candida species influences macrophage interactions. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 10 doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00164 • Legrand, M; Bachellier-Bassi, S; Lee, K ; Chaudhari, Y ; Tournu, H; Arbogast, L ; Boyer, H; Chauvel, M; Cabral, V; Maufrais, C ; Nesseir, A; Maslanka, I ; Permal, E; Rossignol, T; Walker, L; Zeidler, U; Znaidi, S; Schoeters, F; Majgier, C; Julien, R; Ma, L; Tichit, M; Bouchier, C; Van Dijck, P; Munro, C.A.*; d’Enfert, C (2018) Generating genomic platforms to study Candida albicans pathogenesis Nucleic Acids Research 46(14):6935-6949 • Walker L.A., Gow N.A., Munro C.A. (2013) Elevated chitin content reduces the susceptibility of Candida species to caspofungin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 57(1):146-54 Apply Now