PhD Studentship: The Role of a PERIOD3 Polymorphism in the Development of Chronotype and Sleep Pressure in Adolescents

Introduction

Adolescence is characterised by profound changes in brain development, sleep and circadian biology making this age group vulnerable to a variety of mental health challenges. There is, however, no reduction in the rate of dissipation of sleep pressure, which means that later bedtimes without compensatory later wake times leads to sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality. The variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of the PERIOD3 (PER3) gene may be important in adolescent sleep and their mental health resilience, as it has been associated with chronotype, sleep homeostatic pressure, the alerting action of light and with melatonin suppression. 

Project details

The student will extract DNA from 450 participants and genotype them for the PER3 VNTR. They will examine associations of PER3 VNTR genotype with chronotype and monitor changes in chronotype over the 3 years of data collection. They will also examine any associations of PER3 VNTR genotype with actigraphy and light exposure assessed during equinox periods, and undertake spectral analysis of EEG as a proxy for sleep pressure in a subset of participants.

This studentship is linked to a Wellcome Trust Funded project (www.Sleepchampzzz.com). This is a multi-site, multi-disciplinary, international project. The co-supervisors will be Associate Professors Dale Rae (University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa) and Karine Scheuermaier (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa). 

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry requirements

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

PLUS

• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

Additional requirements

The student should have at least a 2:1 in a relevant discipline/subject area such as molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry or human physiology, with good statistical skills.

The project entails nighttime and flexible out-of-hours work.

The student should be able to work well under pressure as part of a team

How to apply

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2,000 word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.

Please contact for informal enquiries: Professor Laura Roden

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