Medical Neuroscience: Fully Funded PhD Studentship identifying the histopathological hallmarks and biomarkers of multiple sclerosis progression (RS794)

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 focussed 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).

PhD: 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. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (Year 1: £19,237, Year 2: £19,718 and Year 3: £20,210).

Sufficient budget to cover all lab based consumables and contribution to travel/ conferences are included in the award. 

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information

1. Course choice – please select: (Full Time) Medical Neuroscience / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October
   1. Note a July 2025 start day may be possible, please select October when completing your application.
2. Start year – please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS794 – Medical Neuroscience’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.  

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project
• One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable)
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission

Include the following information at the bottom:

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Owain Howell on o.w.howell@swansea.ac.uk / 01792 295066.

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.