Structural and metabolic alterations of mitochondria in astrocytes and neurons in obesity and diabetes

About the Project

One full scholarship is available in the School of Biomedical Sciences in 2026/27. This scholarship is open to UK applicants and covers fees plus maintenance. The student will investigate how structural remodelling of mitochondria and extracellular matrix in brain cells contributes to insulin resistance and impaired brain regulation of metabolism.

This fully funded PhD place provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in fields neuroendocrinology and metabolism. The project will investigate how structural and metabolic alterations in mitochondria within astrocytes and neurons contribute to brain insulin resistance and disrupted metabolic regulation in obesity and type 2 diabetes. In particular, the research focuses on the nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS), a key brainstem region involved in the control of feeding behaviour and glucose homeostasis. Using advanced imaging approaches, including confocal microscopy, light-sheet microscopy and plasma FIB-SEM, the student will generate high-resolution three-dimensional reconstructions of mitochondrial networks and examine how mitochondrial fragmentation affects cellular stress responses, mitophagy and extracellular matrix remodelling.

The project aims to establish a mechanistic link between mitochondrial dysfunction in astrocytes and impaired communication within neural circuits that regulate metabolism. By integrating ultrastructural imaging, molecular analyses and physiological studies in rodent models of obesity and diabetes, the work will provide new insight into how glial cell dysfunction contributes to systemic metabolic disease.

The School of Biomedical Sciences invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27 for the John Findlay PhD Scholarship. The award is open to full-time UK candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for admission to a PhD programme within the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Full description

The successful candidate will join a vibrant and collaborative research environment with access to world-class facilities, including advanced microscopy platforms, tissue culture laboratories and specialised animal facilities supporting metabolic research. The student will be based in the Filippi Lab within the School of Biomedical Sciences, where they will receive training in metabolic neuroscience, astrocyte biology, and in vivo models of obesity and diabetes. They will also benefit from engagement with Neural@Leeds, the University of Leeds’ interdisciplinary neuroscience network that connects researchers across multiple faculties working on brain and nervous system research.

This project is supported by a strong collaborative framework across the University. The student will work closely with the Professor Elton Zeqiraj Lab in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, providing expertise in plasma FIB-SEM workflows, quantitative structural biology and cellular signalling. Additional collaboration with the Dr Jessica C. F. Kwok Lab will provide specialist expertise in neural extracellular matrix biology and molecular imaging approaches. The project will also make extensive use of the University’s advanced imaging and electron microscopy facilities within the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Together, this collaborative environment will provide the student with multidisciplinary training spanning advanced imaging, mitochondrial biology, neuroscience and metabolic physiology.

Entry Requirements

This award is only available to applicants who are eligible to pay fees at the UK Home fee rate.

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Biomedical Sciences should normally have an Undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area. A Master’s degree is desirable, but not essential.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements. The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

Other conditions:

• Applicants must not have been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.
• Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026
• Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of hte University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.

How to Apply

Please note that this is one of five advertised projects for the John Findlay PhD Scholarship, applicants should only submit one application for this award.

To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.

• a full academic CV
• degree certificate and transcripts of marks
• Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)

To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

• Select PhD in Biological Science as your programme of study
• Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
• For source of funding please state you are applying for a John Findlay PhD Scholarship.

For further information about the admissions process, please contact the FBS PGR Admissions Team: fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk

Funding Notes

We are offering 1 full-time PhD scholarship in the School of Biomedical Sciences for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant matching the UKRI stipend (£21, 805 for 2025/26) and UK tuition fees for 4 years. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.