Mapping the Ageing Islet: Architecture, Identity, and Stress Pathways Across the Lifespan

About the Project

PhD Opportunity: Mapping the Ageing Pancreas – A Spatial and Molecular Dissection of Islet Decline Across the Lifespan

Ageing is one of the strongest risk factors for impaired glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes, yet we still lack a clear understanding of how pancreatic islets deteriorate over time. This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to generate the first spatially resolved atlas of islet ageing, integrating advanced imaging, spatial transcriptomics and mechanistic validation across mouse and human tissue. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment at Newcastle University, working at the forefront of diabetes, ageing and spatial biology.

Project Overview

Pancreatic islets undergo profound structural and molecular changes with age, contributing to declining insulin secretion and increased diabetes risk. This project will define how islet architecture, endocrine cell identity and stress-response pathways evolve across the lifespan. Using pancreatic tissue from ageing mice, you will combine multiplex immunostaining, automated image analysis and spatial transcriptomics to uncover ageing-associated transcriptional states and microenvironmental niches. Key pathways will be validated at the protein level, and findings extended to human pancreatic tissue to identify conserved mechanisms with translational relevance.

Training and Environment

You will receive training from the team specialising in mitochondrial biology, diabetes and ageing. This provides a rich, supportive environment of PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, technicians and clinical collaborators. You will receive comprehensive training in: Pancreatic tissue processing and islet biology; Animal studies and metabolic phenotyping; Multiplex immunohistochemistry and advanced microscopy; Automated and AI-driven image analysis; Spatial transcriptomics; Bioinformatics. You will also be embedded within the MRC National Mouse Genetics Network which will provide additional training, collaboration and networking opportunities.

Research Culture

You will join an inclusive, respectful and collaborative research community with a strong focus on wellbeing, flexible working and equitable supervision. Regular group meetings, cross-theme seminars and mentoring opportunities will support your development. You will be encouraged to present at national and international conferences and to engage with patient and public groups.

This project is ideal for candidates with a background in biomedical sciences, physiology, molecular biology or related fields who are excited by cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary research.

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