PhD studentship, University of Manchester (2)

Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medical & Human Sciences, University of Manchester.

Dr Rebecca Jones, Dr Alex Heazell, Dr Tracey Mills & Professor Tina Lavender

(Via www.jobs.ac.uk) The objective of this fully-funded 3-year PhD project is to investigate the various biochemical markers influencing poor pregnancy outcomes in advanced maternal age. The studentship provides full support for tuition fees, all associated research costs and an annual tax-free stipend of £13, 590. The project is due to commence October 2011 and is open to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding.

Delaying childbearing is a growing trend amongst UK women. In the period 1999-2009 fertility rates for women aged 35-39 and 40 and over increased by 1% and 2.4% respectively. This accelerating demographic shift towards later childbearing is of major clinical and public health concern, because advanced maternal age (AMA) has consistently been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Studies have reported that women over 35 are at increased risk of pregnancy complications including miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth. Although these complications are related to placental insufficiency, there have been no studies of why and how advanced maternal age increases pregnancy risk.

The PhD research will identify potential placental and endocrine mechanisms linking advanced maternal age and stillbirth. Understanding how AMA predisposes to stillbirth will enable identification of women at high-risk and improved targeting of maternity care to reduce poor maternal and perinatal outcomes. Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a minimum upper-second honours degree (or equivalent) in one of the biological/medical sciences, biochemistry, endocrinology or a related area. A Masters degree in a similar discipline would be beneficial but not essential as full training will be provided.

Please direct enquiries and applications to Dr Rebecca Jones ([email protected]) including academic CV; official academic transcripts; contact details for two suitable referees; a personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date. The closing date for applications is Friday 22 April 2011.

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