Understanding collagen degradation in inflammageing of connective tissue down to the molecular level

For 2026 entry, we're offering 1 talented researcher the opportunity to secure funding for a postgraduate research and join our thriving community of leading researchers within the Faculty of Medicine and Health.<br /> <br /> These competitive EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Awards offer the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £20,780 for academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.

<p paraeid="{22cea1aa-0872-415d-9489-52dc14b4ecc2}{219}" paraid="617776872">Ligaments are formed from highly organized collagen molecules arranged in a hierarchical structure, facilitating stability and elasticity of our joints. Degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system, such as Osteoarthritis or Periodontitis, lead to damage and loss of collagen affecting the integrity of ligaments. Infection and disorders can lead to localized disfunction, but ageing increases the risk of maintaining collagen homeostasis, where chronic inflammation is a driver. Inflammaging implicates matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), which break down the collagen structures. Aged tissues have elevated MMP levels, where inflammation alters the balance between collagen degradation and repair. </p> <p paraeid="{22cea1aa-0872-415d-9489-52dc14b4ecc2}{227}" paraid="999177507">Collagen degradation by MMPs is a key part of soft tissue re-modelling, affecting healing and recovery. This project will investigate ligament structure and degradation down to the molecular level by employing a multi-modal microscopy approach. We will compare ex-vivo ligaments from healthy and diseased patients alongside in-vitro molecular collagen assemblies. The influence of MMP action will be imaged and analyzed, using high resolution microscopies, including SEM and confocal fluorescence, but principally atomic force microscopy (AFM), which can both image direct MMP action as well as probe nanoscale mechanics. </p> <p paraeid="{22cea1aa-0872-415d-9489-52dc14b4ecc2}{241}" paraid="1709144596">It aims to relate collagen structure and integrity to clinical diagnoses of inflammatory connective disorders to develop new ways that collagen re-modelling might be controlled through modulation of MMP prevalence and action. </p> <p paraeid="{22cea1aa-0872-415d-9489-52dc14b4ecc2}{241}" paraid="1709144596">Applications will be considered after the closing date of 27 March 2026. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p>

<p>To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application:</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV </li> <li>degree certificates and full transcripts of marks of all degree study. Or, if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal statement outlining your interest in the project </li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select <strong>EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine)</strong> as your Planned Course of Study (if you do not apply to this programme code your application will not be considered)</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert in the Research Area/Title section of your application.</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for an <strong>EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27</strong></li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelor's Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Medicine and Health minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests for PhD, MSc, MPhil, MD are: • British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0 • Internet-based TOEFL 88 (with not less than 19 in listening, 20 in reading, 22 in speaking and 21 in writing)

<p>We are offering 1 full-time PhD Scholarship in the Faculty of Medicine & Health for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant matching the UKRI stipend rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and UK tuition fees for 3.5 years. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to 2.5 years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1^st October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about the admissions process, please contact the FMH PGR Admissions Team at <a href="http://fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk/">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>