PhD Studentship - To Develop Methodology to Measure Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers in the Plasma of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Patients

Project advert

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is pathologically defined by the abnormal accumulation of extracellular proteins/peptides such as amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Recent methodological advances have enabled the development and validation of plasma biomarkers that are expected to simplify AD diagnosis. The quality and quantity of sleep, which is significantly disrupted during obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients, has been associated with changes in AD biomarkers levels in blood in cross-sectional studies. Furthermore, AD biomarkers have been described in cerebrospinal fluid of sleep apnoea patients, suggesting that sleep apnoea is a potential risk factor for AD. 

Project aims and objectives

This project aims to measure levels of AD biomarker in the blood of OSA patients to assess whether these patients are the risk factor of developing AD and whether treating OSA symptoms, including reversing sleep fragmentation, affects AD biomarkers concentrations. To address this overall aim, the student will

1. Employ computer programming methods to determine the occurrence of Alzheimer disease in obstructive sleep apnoea patients using previously collected clinical data and
2. Perform immunoassay technology to measure levels of AD biomarkers in the blood of sleep apnoea patients.

Funding

The student will be in receipt of a stipend payment; the Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) £20,780 for 2025/26.

Home and Overseas students can apply. Home fees are covered. Eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding. 

Specific requirements of the candidate

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to undertake research exploring obstructive sleep apnoea as a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

Essential Qualifications:

• Applicants for PhD must have a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Candidates with a master's degree in a relevant subject are strongly encouraged to apply, especially those with research experience in neuroscience or clinical biochemistry.

Technical and Research Skills:

• Experience or demonstrated interest in biochemical techniques, particularly immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, Western blotting) for biomarker analysis.
• Familiarity with data analysis and statistical methods relevant to biological sciences.
• Basic knowledge or keen interest in bioinformatics, computational biology, or data science approaches.
• Experience or willingness to learn programming languages (e.g., Python, R) for handling and analysing clinical data.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team comprising researchers and clinical practitioners.
• Strong commitment to learning and professional development.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with good academic writing skills.

How to apply

Please email Prof Sonia Correa-Muller (s.correa-muller@mmu.ac.uk) to discuss any questions about the project.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a Full-Time PhD in the Department of Life Sciences (or download the PGR application form) and submit your CV and a Cover Letter indicating how your expertise is a good fit for the project, how your experience makes you suitable for this position, and why you are interested to work in this area of research.

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Expected start date: October 2025

Please quote the reference: SciEng-SCM-2025-Alzheimer

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