Mitochondria are small structures present in every cell of our body, which convert the food we eat into an energy source that cells can use. In our cells, thousands of mitochondria form a remarkably interconnected and dynamic network crucial for cellular health. Specialised mitochondrial proteins regulate this process, allowing constant rejuvenation of mitochondrial content and removal of any damaged mitochondria. When mitochondrial connectivity breaks down, it can lead to disease, including some cancers, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's), and genetically inherited mitochondrial disorders.

Mitochondrial disorders are caused by genetic mutations in the cell’s nuclear or mitochondrial DNA, which can occur at any age and affect mitochondrial function, meaning cells have insufficient energy to work properly. As genetic errors can arise in any of the ~1200 genes linked to mitochondria, diagnosis and understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms remain challenging.

This PhD project will focus on a group of patients carrying genetic mutations in a key mitochondrial fission protein, Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). Pathogenic variants in DRP1 cause severe neurological conditions in early childhood, yet the mechanisms linking impaired mitochondrial division to neurodegeneration remain poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that DRP1 is critical not only for mitochondrial division but also for the spatial distribution of mitochondria within neurons and for the formation of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS)-mediated biomolecular condensates. The project will explore the formation of LLPS-mediated DRP1 condensates and their role in mitochondrial network integrity.

This 3-year PhD studentship is fully funded by The Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award and Northumbria University. The project is embedded in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, with cross-institutional expertise from: Prof Blake Hill, University of Colorado, USA; Prof Robert Taylor, Newcastle University, UK; Prof Simon Johnson, Northumbria University, UK and Dr Gerrit Hilgen, Northumbria University, UK.

The successful candidate will work primarily within the research team of Dr Monika Winter (Olahova) at Northumbria University.

During this PhD program, the successful candidate will:

• Generate patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing

• Develop and characterise human iPSC-derived neuronal-astrocytic co-cultures to model disease-specific mitochondrial pathology

• Perform multiparametric live-cell imaging, high-resolution microscopy and biophysical analysis of DRP1 function and mitochondrial network integrity.

This PhD offers a unique opportunity to study mitochondrial diseases at the interface of stem cell biology, mitochondrial medicine, and advanced bioimaging and biophysical technologies. The student will gain interdisciplinary training in fundamental and translational research skills, within a vibrant and collaborative research environment.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.

• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.

• Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

Applicants will need to be in the UK and fully enrolled before stipend payments can commence .

For further details on how to apply see

https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

In your application, please include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and the advert reference (e.g. NIHR/…).

Deadline for applications: 5th June 2025

Start date of course: 1 October 2025

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.

Academic Enquiries

This project is supervised by Dr Monika Winter. For informal queries, please contact monika.winter@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please use the email form below to contact Admissions.

Northumbria University

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