PhD investigating mechanisms of inflammation-associated insulin resistance in skeletal muscle – RVC, London, UK

Applications are invited for a 3 year competition funded PhD studentship based at the Royal Veterinary College and the University of Oxford.  Successful applicants will investigate the mechanisms for the differential effects of macrophage treatment with unsaturated and saturated fatty acids on skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. They will also test whether the adverse effects of saturated fatty acids can be ameliorated by candidate physiological anti-inflammatory/insulin-sensitising interventions. Finally, the PhD will involve assessing the importance of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in mediating skeletal muscle insulin resistance.

This project will thus incorporate wide training in cell and molecular biology and integrative physiology and genomics in both animal models and human populations. Its successful completion will greatly add to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of insulin resistant and potentially contribute novel targets for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.

The deadline for applications is 23 February 2014. For further information, please visit the job advert.