PhD Studentships 2020

2 x PhD studentships are available in the laboratory of Professor Ken O’Halloran, Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Ireland.

We are seeking to recruit PhD candidates to explore respiratory control in mouse models of muscular dystrophy. Funding is available for up to 4 years; stipend (€18k per annum) plus fees.

The funded projects will characterise the control of breathing in mouse models of muscular dystrophy and will explore novel intervention strategies designed to protect respiratory system performance. The projects will extend recent work in this area by our group (see recent publications below).

A broad range of techniques and experimental approaches will be employed, including in vivo and ex vivo physiology, histology and immunofluorescence, and a range of biochemical and molecular approaches. Experience in one or more areas is advantageous, but is not essential as full training in all techniques will be provided.

Applications from prospective candidates with backgrounds in physiology, neuroscience, biochemistry and related cognate disciplines are welcomed.

Training opportunities will extend beyond the host laboratory in Cork to collaborator institutions in the USA and Canada.

The positions are available immediately and will remain open until suitable candidates have been recruited.

Contact Ken O’Halloran to discuss the opportunities: k.ohalloran@ucc.ie

UCC Webpage: http://publish.ucc.ie/researchprofiles/C008/kohalloran

See recent seminar: "Control of breathing in neuromuscular disease: Lessons from the mdx mouse model of muscular dystrophy" presented by David Burns and Ken O'Halloran.
https://breathe.phhp.ufl.edu/about-us/cobad-international-online-seminars/

Recent publications

Burns DP, Lucking EF, O'Halloran KD (2019). Auxiliary compensation for diaphragm dysfunction in dystrophic disease. Journal of Physiology, 597 (15):4103-4105.

Burns DP, Murphy KH, Lucking EF, O'Halloran KD. (2019). Inspiratory pressure-generating capacity is preserved during ventilatory and non-ventilatory behaviours in young dystrophic mdx mice despite profound diaphragm muscle weakness. Journal of Physiology, 597, 831-848.

Burns DP, Canavan L, Rowland J, O'Flaherty R, Brannock M, Drummond SE, O'Malley D, Edge D, O'Halloran KD. (2018). Recovery of respiratory function in mdx mice co-treated with neutralizing interleukin-6 receptor antibodies and Urocortin-2. Journal of Physiology 516, 5175-5197.

Burns DP, Roy A, Lucking EF, McDonald FB, Gray S, Wilson RJ, Edge D, O'Halloran KD. (2017). Sensorimotor control of breathing in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Journal of Physiology 595, 6653-6672.