Establishing common and dichotomous downstream pathways driving thrombotic microangiopathy associated with MMACHC deficiency and hyperactive C3

About the Project

You will form part of the team at the world renowned National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre (NRCTC) and the Complement Therapeutic Research Group (CTRG) in Newcastle which provides a fully integrated bench to bedside and back again approach to research, diagnostics, and treatment of the rare kidney disease, atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (aHUS). It operates as a collaboration between the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University to deliver integrated clinical care, advanced genetic testing, and world-leading research.

You will work under the guidance of Professor Kevin Marchbank, a pioneer in the field of complement and translational mouse models and receive co-supervision from Professor David Kavanagh, who heads the NRCTC and is a specialist in aHUS research. You would be part of a team of 20 plus clinicians, nurses and research staff treating and researching rare kidney diseases.

You will help conduct a comprehensive case review of UK patients with metabolic disorders who go on to develop aHUS and conduct research into non-complement mediated aHUS using bespoke translational models, comparing and contrasting them using standard biochemical, histological and molecular biology approaches (see doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.12.016). Isolated endothelial cells will also be examined using metabolic, proteomic and RNAseq technologies. You would seek to block or modify identified pathways using available drugs with the eventual aim to re-purpose them for use in the clinic. This approach should provide rapid translation of findings.

This research project addresses a key point in the Global aHUS Patient Organisation research agenda; to understand the predisposing genetic and triggering factors of aHUS. You will help us disseminate findings widely, through publications and outreach. You would speak to the public about our research, including outreach to local schools, through events organised by local (Northern Counties Kidney Research Fund; Newcastle Kidney Patients Association), national kidney charities (Kidney Research UK) and the Newcastle Centre for Rare diseases (https://www.ncl.ac.uk/rare-diseases/), which champions research and clinical solution for all forms of rare disease.

This 4-year PhD will provide a fully rounded pre-clinical research project with embedded training in a wide range of techniques.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

(You can check that you meet Newcastle University English Language requirements using this link - International Students: English Language Requirements | Newcastle Uni | Newcastle University)

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.