Medical Neuroscience: Fully Funded PhD Studentship identifying the histopathological hallmarks and biomarkers of multiple sclerosis progression

Funding provider: UK Multiple Sclerosis Society 

Subject areas: Biomedical Science / Medical Neuroscience 

Project start date: 1 July 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-June) 

Supervisors: Owain Howell, Owen Bodger 

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Medical Neuroscience 

Mode of study: Full-time

The lab: The research program of Owain Howell’s group is focused on the interplay and predictors of multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. We work with the UK MS Register, clinical academics and the UK MS Tissue Bank (Imperial College) to reveal disease-relevant biological processes to help identify biomarkers and new treatment targets.  

This project will build on our unique digital MS biobank, which is made up of images and linked data from hundreds of cases of pathologically confirmed MS. We have a strong record of supporting post-graduate students in their development as scientists and researchers. The student will join an energetic cohort of postgraduate students and researchers in the growing department of neuroscience at Swansea University. The student will be supported by a supervisory team with expertise in statistics (Dr Owen Bodger, Swansea University) and MS pathology and biomarker discovery (Dr Roberta Magliozzi, Imperial College London and University of Verona).   

Background: Disability in MS is driven by the increasing extent of inflammation, demyelination and neuro-axonal loss. Recognising and measuring this neurological progression in the clinic is challenging and, despite considerable effort, is not targeted by currently available disease modifying therapies. There is a critical need to identify the principal pathogenic mechanisms of progression and its surrogate molecular markers.  

Project description: We have new data demonstrating that neuron loss, in comparison to demyelination and compartmentalized inflammation, is by far the single greatest pathological variable contributing to disease progression. Working with the UK MS Tissue Bank, you will leverage protein analysis of tissue and matched cerebrospinal fluid samples to complete the largest and most comprehensive pathologic description of MS to: 1) increase our understanding of the heterogeneity of MS patho-biology and, 2) identify molecular signatures that represent the principal pathogenic drivers of disability. In the future, validated panels of molecules, which reflect the active biological processes of MS progression, would aid in selecting cohorts for neuroprotective trials and monitoring treatment responses to improve the outcomes of people with MS. 

Applications from candidates with experience in neuroscience research, handling large biological datasets and/ or immunoassays (immunostaining and microscopy, ELISA or multiplex assays), particularly if using human samples, would be welcome. All necessary training will be provided. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the primary supervisor for this project (o.w.howell@swansea.ac.uk).

Eligibility

Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree. Alternatively, applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) not holding a master’s degree, will be considered on an individual basis. See – Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019 and Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019. 

English Language

IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.