Investigating the Role of Oxysterols in Cholesterol Metabolism and Myelin Maintenance

About the Project

Details of the Project

Cholesterol is a vital lipid that plays a key role in maintaining cellular structure and function, particularly in the central nervous system. A crucial component of myelin—the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres—cholesterol supports nerve conduction, cell signalling, and overall brain function. However, when cholesterol undergoes oxidation, it forms oxysterols, a diverse group of bioactive molecules with distinct roles in cellular physiology.

This project aims to explore the intricate relationship between oxysterols, cholesterol metabolism, and myelin maintenance. Oxysterols are produced in the body under normal and pathological conditions, particularly in the brain, where they can influence various processes such as lipid homeostasis, inflammation, and cell signalling. Recent studies suggest that oxysterols may play both protective and detrimental roles in myelin, depending on their specific structures and concentrations.

The research will focus on how different oxysterols impact cholesterol metabolism, the synthesis and repair of myelin, and the regulation of neuronal health. The project will use invitro cell culture models to investigate cholesterol metabolism. Using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, project will profile cholesterol d oxysterol pathways. By examining the levels of oxysterols in the context of neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), this project will help uncover how altered cholesterol metabolism and myelin degeneration may contribute to disease progression.

By enhancing our understanding of oxysterols' roles in cholesterol metabolism and myelin biology, this project hopes to contribute to the development of novel approaches for treating demyelinating disorders and advancing overall neurological health.

Overseas Applicants

Overseas applicants may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees. Currently the difference between ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees is £17,712 for 2026/7. As part of the application, you will be required to confirm that you will provide this additional funding. Please indicate this on the application form in the funding section.

Location

This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly.

Person Specification

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

a] a First or Upper Second Class award in their Undergraduate Degree (Bachelors or UG Masters) from a UK institution, in a subject judged by Aston to be relevant to the proposed research.

OR

b] a Merit (or above)* in a Postgraduate Masters degree in a relevant subject AND an Undergraduate Degree (Bachelors or UG Masters), both from UK institutions.

*where appropriate.

Qualifications from overseas institutions will be also considered but performance must be equivalent to that described above, and the University reserves the right to ascertain this equivalence according to its own criteria.

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Dr Irundika Dias at diashki1@aston.ac.uk

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected.Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history.
5. Two academic refereeswho can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.

Apply for this position here

Please select “Research - Health Sciences” from the application form options.

If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk

Funding Notes

This project covers the Home tuition fees. Candidates who do not have Home status will be responsible for the difference in tuition fees. Currently the difference between ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees is £17,712 for 2026/7.