Exploring Protein Kinase Cδ Inhibition as a Novel Approach to Neuropathic Pain Management (EPiC-Pain)

About the Project

Chronic neuropathic pain affects millions of people worldwide and remains difficult to treat with current therapies. Orofacial neuropathic pain, which arises from dysfunction of the trigeminal nervous system, can be particularly debilitating and often does not respond well to available treatments. This PhD project aims to understand the cellular mechanisms that drive neuropathic pain and identify new therapeutic strategies that could ultimately improve patient care.

The project focuses on protein kinase C delta (PKCδ), a signalling molecule that regulates neuronal excitability and inflammatory pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that PKCδ may contribute to abnormal activation of sensory neurons in chronic pain conditions, but its precise role in pain signalling is not yet fully understood. This project will investigate whether inhibiting PKCδ can reduce pathological neuronal hyperexcitability and restore normal sensory function.

The student will use a combination of innovative human cell models and preclinical approaches to study pain mechanisms. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) will be differentiated into sensory neurons, providing a powerful laboratory model to investigate how pain-related signals affect neuronal activity. The student will examine how these neurons respond to inflammatory and pain-associated stimuli and how pharmacological or genetic inhibition of PKCδ alters their function.

The project will provide training in a wide range of advanced experimental techniques, including stem cell culture, electrophysiology (patch-clamp), calcium imaging, fluorescence microscopy, molecular biology, and CRISPR-based gene editing. These approaches will allow the student to investigate how neuronal excitability is regulated at the cellular and molecular level.

To assess the translational relevance of the findings, the project will also examine the effects of PKCδ inhibition in established preclinical models of neuropathic pain, linking cellular mechanisms with behavioural outcomes.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment across the Schools of Dental Sciences and Pharmacy and Translational & Clinical Research Institute at Newcastle University. The student will receive comprehensive training in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, with opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences.

This studentship offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated graduate interested in neuroscience, pharmacology, stem cell biology, and translational research to contribute to research that could advance understanding and treatment of chronic pain.

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).

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.