Title of PhD project: Epigenetics of nutrition in ageing
Host Institution and Supervisors: Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna. Supervisor: Paolo Garagnani
Description:
The objective of the research project is to deeply investigate the effect of nutritional and physical interventions on the epigenetic profile of the elderly, with particular regard to DNA methylation.
The ESR will exploit existing and newly recruited cohorts, strictly collaborating with the other research centres within the PANINI consortium. Using the most advanced experimental and statistical approaches for the analysis of DNA methylation, the ESR will 1) comprehensively study the epigenetic components of ageing and age-associated pathological conditions, including frailty and sarcopenia; 2) evaluate the changes in DNA methylation patterns induced by dietary and physical interventions and correlate them with changes in physiological and cognitive parameters, with the ultimate aim of identifying epigenetic targets and biomarkers of healthy ageing.
The project will take place at the Laboratory of Immunology (LoI) of the DIMES, Via S. Giacomo 12 40126 Bologna. Loi is fully equipped for cellular and molecular biology studies and for genetic and epigenetic analysis, including a high throughput facility for candidate gene DNA methylation analysis (SequenomMassArray platform).
After this training, the ESR will get a broad knowledge and expertise in ageing research and in the field of epiegentics.
To complement this training, the project includes a planned secondment at the Vrije University Amsterdam (at month 20 of the project, for 2 months), where the ESR will learn different approaches for the assessment of nutritional and physical activity in frail older adults.
Notes:
•There are 11 available PhD studentships in the PANINI network. For details see:
•To apply for this particular PhD, see: http:/.
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•This studentship is part of an international training network – Physical Activity and Nutrition INfluences In ageing (PANINI) including cross-Europe training and secondments.
•Living allowance: 3,318.37 Euro per month. Mobility allowance:600 Euro per month. Family Allowance: if applicable 500 Euro per month
•This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No [675003].
Deadline 30/04/16
Eligibility rules:
•The candidate must not have lived in host country for more than 12 months in previous 3 years to appointment.
•The candidate must be in first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of research career at time of recruitment (1st day of post). Research career dates from date of degree which entitles person to start on PhD degree (e.g. BSc, MSc).
•The PhD student will be recruited as an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) so will be a member of staff, with salary subject to national tax and social security deductions and benefits.