College of Medical & Dental Sciences

MRes/PhD Studentships in Endocrinology and metabolism research

University of Birmingham College of Medical & Dental Sciences

Lead Supervisor: Professor Wiebke Arlt & Professor Chris McCabe

University of Birmingham, School of Clinical & Experimental Medicine

Project duration: 4 years (Masters in Biomedical Research followed by a three year PhD)

Funded by: College MDS/MRC

We are in the midst of a global epidemic of obesity and diabetes affecting both adults and
children. Cancer affects 1 in 3 of us and hormones influence tumour growth. Endocrine
research at the University of Birmingham addresses the role of hormones in obesity, diabetes,
cancer, infertility and many other conditions to find new diagnostic tools and treatments that
will make a difference.

Our research adopts a truly translational bench-to-bedside and bedside-to-bench approach.

We use state-of-the-art molecular and cell biology techniques through to rodent models and
the highest quality cutting edge metabolic research in patients. We use unparalleled clinical
research facilities which lie immediately adjacent to our basic science laboratories and the
Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Our strengths lie in understanding the causes of rare diseases such as congenital adrenal
hyperplasia, adrenal insufficiency and premature puberty that exemplify mechanisms that are
of importance in common diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome,
the leading cause of female infertility.

We lead on developing new biomarker and treatment tools for rare cancers including adrenal
and thyroid cancer, which helps us to also achieve progress for common cancer, e.g. breast
and prostate. We are at the forefront of hormone research, unravelling the actions of
glucocortiocids and sex steroids and their role in human disease.

Our world-leading researchers work with collaborative networks of clinicians and scientists
across the globe to understand the mechanisms that underlie endocrine disease and to identify
new targets for treatment strategies that will have significant benefits to patients. Hormones
are the master communicators interacting with all cells in the body; deciphering their
language provides us with powerful tools for combating disease.

The studentships start in September/October 2012.

Person Specification
You must have, or expect to achieve, an upper-second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in
a relevant subject.

Eligibility and Value of the Award

This award is available to students who have a relevant connection to the UK and meet the
Research Councils UK eligibility criteria. Depending on how you meet the eligibility criteria,
you may receive a full award covering fees and an annual stipend at the Research Councils
UK rate (which was 13,590 for 2011) or a partial award covering fees only.

How to Apply

Please submit an up-to-date CV including the names of 2 academic referees and a personal
statement. The personal statement should detail your research experience, your research
interests and why you wish to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham.
Please submit your application to Niki Windridge, Research & Knowledge Transfer Office,
College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT
(n.j.windridge@bham.ac.uk)

Closing date for applications: Monday 11th January 2012