PhD Studentship (Full time, 3 years), based in Truro, Cornwall.
“The impact of environmental pollutants on human disease” Ref: PCMD-GS-0030
Supervisors: Professor David Melzer, Professor Tamara Galloway
This studentship, funded with the support of the European Regional Development Fund, provides an
opportunity for a student with skills in toxicology, statistics or epidemiology to explore associations
between key environmental chemicals and disease in adults and will be based in the European Centre for
Environment and Human Health, Truro, Cornwall.
The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry with its parent Institutions, the Universities of Exeter and
Plymouth, are seeking to attract PhD candidates of outstanding ability to join their exciting and rapidly
expanding programme of internationally rated research.
As part of our new developments and our commitment to research excellence, applications are invited
from suitably qualified biological science or biophysics graduates, 2:1 or above, for a PhD studentship.
International students must also have IELTS [International English Language Testing System] score of 7
and above (or equivalent qualification).
Project summary:
Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that environmental chemicals can interfere with complex
signalling pathways and cause adverse health consequences. We have recently published several major
epidemiological studies examining the human health effects of priority pollutants that are widely used in
the general population, including plastics additives, non-stick coatings and flame retardant chemicals. We
are studying these compounds since they are detectable in the majority of the population (>95%) and are
of public health concern due to numerous reports of adverse health effects (to cardiovascular, metabolic
and hormonal systems).
In this project you will further explore the associations between chemical exposures and adult morbidity,
using an epidemiological approach. We have already determined gene expression patterns and
metabolite levels in our study populations(s). Based on these data, you will explore the pathways affected
by chemical exposures in protein and gene expression arrays, examine genetic variants that may alter
susceptibility markers, and study the epidemiology of BPA exposure, examining associations with
potential social and behavioural risk factors, with a view to informing control efforts.
You will be based at the European Centre for Environment and Health (ECEHH), , and will be trained and
supported by an enthusiastic and successful team of researchers with expertise in Epidemiology and
Public Health and Ecotoxicology. The project will provide a varied and challenging programme of work,
leading to a highly employable portfolio of skills.
For informal enquiries contact Professor David Melzer (david.melzer@pms.ac.uk) or Professor Tamara
Galloway tel +44(0)1392 263436, t.s.galloway@exeter.ac.uk
Closing date for application: Friday 27th August 2010 Start date: October 2010
Please ignore any links to application forms (above or below this advertisement)
For an application pack, please contact:
Bernice Wilmshurst, Senior Administrator (Research Degrees)
Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistry,
John Bull Building, Tamar Science Park , Plymouth PL6 8BU
Telephone 01752 437471 or email pcmd-researchdegrees@pcmd.ac.uk
Funding Notes
The stipend, provided with support of the European Regional Development Fund to UK or EU applicants
only, will be £13,590 (based on full time 10/11 rate). Tuition fees will be paid at the home rate.