Electromagnetic (EM) fields to modulate Purkinje cell activity for treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological disorder that affects 137,000 people in the UK. Its cause and pathogenesis is uncertain but recent studies in mice have demonstrated that misfiring of Purkinje cell in the brain cerebellum generates high-amplitude tremors that are corrected by the application of electromagnetic fields (EMFs)1 to Purkinje cells via deep brain stimulation (DBS). Previous work in our laboratory supported by the Astor Foundation demonstrated that electromagnetic (EM) field effects on cells are mediated through changes in calcium homeostasis.

This PhD student will extend this approach to investigate the effect of EM field on Purkinje cells with the long-term aim of developing novel therapies for Parkinson’s Disease.

The successful student will have, or be expected to gain, a first or upper-second undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences, biochemistry or related subjects.

We may also accept student with training in experimental electrical engineering or medical physics or related subjects.