Looking for a funded MSc-R studentship to start Autumn 2020?
Development of an improved vitamin B12 assay
Scholarship value
The funding provided by the Pernicious Anaemia Society will cover the cost of home student tuition fees at the University of Kent of £4,407
Deadline
Applications should be received as soon as possible to begin in Autumn 2020. Further details are available on the Scholarship Finder: https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/search/FN25DIVB1202
Criteria
This is a project for an MSc by research in the area of biochemistry. We are looking for a student who is keen to learn, acquire and develop analytical skills to help in the diagnosis of nutrient status and disease. We are looking for a student with a good undergraduate degree in the area of molecular bioscience, biochemistry or chemistry. Our laboratory is well equipped to undertake this investigation and will offer over 30 years of experience in the field.
Further details
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that humans obtain largely from meat and dairy products, normally in very small quantities.
It is missing from crop-based diets and hence vegetarians and especially vegans are prone to B12-deficiency. A lack of vitamin B12, in the worst-case scenarios, gives rise to a form of anaemia but even mild deficiency can give rise to a range of neurological disorders from tiredness to cognition issues.
However, whilst vitamin B12 is a specific compound, a range of B12-like compounds are made by bacteria and these variant forms are known to circulate within the human body and it is thought that some of these variant forms may enhance symptoms of deficiency. With support from the Pernicious Anaemia
Society we will investigate ways to determine more accurately the quantity and forms of vitamin B12 that circulate within the body. In particular, we will use a combination of newly-discovered high-affinity binding proteins and mass spectrometry.
How to apply
Applicants are required to submit a formal application for postgraduate research study at the University of Kent at: http://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply
Enquire with a CV and cover letter directly to: M.J.Warren@kent.ac.uk
Applications can be made using the online University application page where the project title should be entered as the proposed area of research and Professor Martin Warren as supervisor. Please include a CV and a cover letter.
As part of the process, students should include the following:
– specify the project they wish to apply for;
– explain reasons for study;
– provide details/evidence of qualifications;
– provide two academic references;
– provide other personal information and supporting documentation