Understanding the effects of ageing on early brain injury following haemorrhagic stroke

About the Project

Project Details:

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a severe type of haemorrhagic stroke which occurs when an aneurysm ruptures in the subarachnoid space. Normal biological ageing weakens cerebral blood vessels, and hence increasing age is associated with higher risks of a stroke. SAH mainly affects people of 40-60 years, however recent data demonstrates that with an ageing population there has been an increase in the number of elderly patients admitted to hospital with SAH, who have a higher rate of poor outcome. Current treatments aim to stop the bleed however this does not prevent early brain injury mechanisms from occurring, resulting in two thirds of patients being left with some form of disability. Understanding pathophysiological processes following SAH would enable us to develop therapies to improve patient outcome.

This PhD project proposes to determine how ageing affects early brain injury mechanisms following SAH, with the overall goal to identify genes/proteins that we can target therapeutically to improve patient outcome following SAH. The student will develop skills in in vivo models and molecular and cellular techniques including RNA sequencing, fluorescent in situ hybridisation and immunofluorescent staining.

Person Specification

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated individual to join the lab of Dr Hannah Botfield and Professor Lisa Hill within the School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology at the University of Birmingham.

Applicants should have a strong background in biomedical sciences, cell biology, molecular biology or a related discipline, and ideally experience in neuroscience, inflammation, or translational research. Candidates should hold, or expect to obtain, at least an Upper Second-Class Honours degree (or equivalent). A strong interest in experimental laboratory research is essential.

How to apply

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Hannah Botfield (email: h.botfield@bham.ac.uk)

Applications should be directed to Dr Hannah Botfield (email: h.botfield@bham.ac.uk). To apply, please send:

• A detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;
• Names and addresses of two referees;
• A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;
• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts;

Funding Notes

The studentship is offered as a 3-year award (commencing September/October 2026) on a full-time basis. This PhD studentship is funded by the Stroke Association and funding includes stipend and tuition fees (home status) and is available for home/UK students only.