Full-time PhD Studentship in Cell Biology Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science (Based in Milton Keynes)

Three years from 1 January 2008

The response of human brain endothelium and astrocytes to vasoactive mediators, funded by the Migraine Trust.

The aim of the project is to determine how brain microvascular endothelial cells can modulate local blood flow, and contribute to the
electrophysiological disturbances that underlie migraine aura. The work will use tissue culture systems to investigate the mediators released by brain endothelium. The effects of endothelin, nitric oxide and eicosanoids on the permeability of endothelium and the activation of astrocytes, will be examined in association with drugs that may be used in treating migraine.

You should have a good honours degree in a biological or biomedical science, emphasis molecular cell biology.

Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. David Male: email D.K.Male[ at ]open.ac.uk; telephone 01908 659226.

For detailed information and how to apply go to www3.open.ac.uk/employment, call Janet Vroone on 01908 659297 or email biology-recruitment[ at ]open.ac.uk.

Closing date: 19 November 2007.