The mechanisms of ageing in Phenylketonuria

Project advert

We are seeking a PhD candidate to join a translational research project investigating premature ageing in adults with Phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is a rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by impaired phenylalanine metabolism. Although newborn screening and dietary treatment have dramatically improved outcomes, emerging evidence suggests that adults with PKU may experience subtle cognitive deficits and accelerated biological ageing despite early treatment.

This interdisciplinary project will explore the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in ageing-related changes in PKU. The successful candidate will investigate biomarkers of oxidative stress, frailty, sarcopenia, cardiovascular and bone health, body composition, neurocognitive function, and quality of life in adults with PKU compared with healthy controls.

The project includes clinical research and biochemical analysis with the aim of identifying clinically useful biomarkers associated with ageing in PKU. Participants will be stratified across age groups to examine how ageing trajectories change over time and compared to age-matched controls.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in metabolic disease, ageing biology, clinical research, and translational medicine. Applicants with backgrounds in metabolic disorders and experience in working in a clinical setting with human participants are encouraged to apply.

Project aims and objectives

• To assess whether people with PKU are more susceptible to premature ageing and frailty, as assessed by the frailty phenotype, sarcopenia assessment, quality of life and measures of bone and cardiovascular health.
• To investigate mechanisms that may contribute to premature ageing in people with PKU, such as oxidative stress and inflammation using biochemical markers and gut biome analysis with an aim to identify the markers that delineate ageing in PKU with the highest yield to translate into a clinically useful panel for assessment of ageing in PKU patients.

Funding

Only home tuition fees will be covered for the duration of the 6-year award, which is £5,238 for the year 2026/27 (pro-rata for part-time study). 

The student will receive a standard stipend payment for the duration of the award. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently £21,805 for the academic year 2026/27 (pro-rata for part-time study).

Specific requirements of the candidate

The qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience applicants should have for this project, in addition to our standard entry requirements.

The candidate should have experience in working on metabolic diseases, especially PKU, and experience and expertise in performing clinical studies.

How to apply

Interested applicants may contact either Professor Chris Murgatroyd or Dr Karolina Stepien for an informal discussion. 

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a part time PhD in Biological Science

Please complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, and include your CV and a covering letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience map to the aims and objectives of the project, the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

Please upload these documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.

Applications closing date: 16 June 2026

Expected start date: October 2026.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-CM-2026-27-Ageing and PKU