This project will be part of the University of Bristol - University of Kent Cotutelle Programme. It will be jointly supervised by Prof James Hodge and Dr Alice French at the University of Bristol, and by Prof Gurprit Lall at University of Kent. The candidate will be expected to spend about equal time at each institution (the first two years at UoB, then two years at UoK) and, upon successful completion of their studies, they will receive a dual award issued by University of Bristol and University of Kent. About the project Circadian rhythms and sleep are evolutionarily conserved from fruit flies (Drosophila) through to mammals and are fundamental as well as vital to biology and health (Jagannath et al., 2017). Bipolar disorder is highly heritable with recent genomic studies identifying a conserved set of underlying genes that are also implicated in circadian rhythm and sleep regulation. These genes (clock, CACNA1C, GSK-Beta) are highly connected and evolutionarily conserved between flies, mice and human, including their response to mood stabilizing drugs (e.g., lithium and valproate), which can be studied in animal models and human cells (Dokucu et al., 2005; Franklin and Dwyer, 2021; Logan and McClung, 2016; McCarthy et al., 2016; McCarthy et al., 2012). In this project, both fly and mouse models mutant for these genes associated with bipolar disorder will be characterised for circadian rhythms under different light conditions. In parallel we measure the effect on sleep including measuring sleep stages and sleep deprivation, using standard biochemical and behavioural assays set up in our labs (Buhl et al., 2019; Buhl et al., 2022; French et al., 2021; Lalic et al., 2020). To measure behavioural changes related to mood in these different flies, circadian and sleep states, we will use an affective bias assay we have developed for Drosophila (Deakin et al., 2018). We will validate the model by attempting rescue of behavioural deficits by feeding the flies lithium, valproate and other drugs predicted to correct the molecular defects (Dokucu et al., 2005). Translating results to mammals using multi-disciplinary circadian and disease modelling experiments in mice (Lall et al., 2012; Logan and McClung, 2016) and to humans through our active involvement in UK collaborative research networks (CMHN and BioClocks UK). This PhD project will involve training and use of molecular genetics (generation of new CRISPR transgenic models), genetics, behaviour (e.g. circadian rhythms, sleep and measures of affect), clock neuron and superchiasmatic nucleus electrophysiology, computational modelling, confocal imaging, optogenetics, period-luciferase imaging and pharmacology in fly and mouse models. How to apply The application deadline is Sunday 12/05/24 at midnight. Applicants must submit an application via the University of Bristol application portal. Please read the Admissions Statement, then click on "Apply Now" and select the programme "Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience (PhD)". In the application, funding section, please indicate "UoB - Kent Cotutelle". Enquiries For questions about the project, please contact the project supervisor, Prof. Hodge, by emailing the Faculty of Life Sciences PGR Admin Team - fls-pgenquiries@bristol.ac.uk. If you require assistance with your application on the portal, please email the Faculty of Life Sciences PGR Admin Team - fls-pgenquiries@bristol.ac.uk Funding Notes The University of Bristol - University of Kent Cotutelle is available for a 4-year PhD, for UK students, with a September 2024 start. The studentship duration is four years, and it includes an annual stipend set at the current UKRI recommendation of £19,237.   Tuition fees and research costs are fully supported by the studentship, as well as an allowance for paid sick leave and parental leave, in addition to 5 weeks of paid leave each year.

If you would like to step out of the lab but are still passionate about supporting the biological clocks community, perhaps BioClocksUK has the job for you.  This position is funded by the BBSRC for 5 years, and will be based at the University of Leicester under the supervision of EBRS President, Professor Charalambos (Bambos) Kyriacou. The Coordinator will be further supported by the BioClocks UK Committee. Biological rhythms are found at every level of biological organisation, spanning microbes, plants, animals and humans. Research in biological timing (chronobiology) represents a considerable strength within the UK and has the potential for creating benefits in healthcare, education, industrial standards, conservation and agriculture. We are seeking a full-time Coordinator for BioClocks UK; an exciting, newly-formed research network. The mission of BioClocks UK is to enhance researcher interactions and develop and sustain discovery-impact cycles among chronobiologists, wider research communities, multiple industry sectors, agritech, education and healthcare institutions. The coordinator will liaise with interested parties, including policy-makers in national or local government, and facilitate communication opportunities between researchers and stakeholders. They will create content accessible to the general public and assist with developing the BioClocks UK website. The coordinator will also support research networking by helping to organise, develop and seek sponsorship for chronobiological research and training meetings. We are looking for someone with a PhD and/or postdoctoral experience in chronobiology or a related area; they must have outstanding communication skills (both speaking and writing) and be organised, numerate, with excellent web development and social media skills. The candidate will need to be confident and resilient in initiating and developing personal contacts with stakeholders, be willing to travel around the UK for face-to-face presentations with interested parties, and be significantly creative and flexible in pursuing different avenues to achieve the aims of BioClocks UK. Please apply here where you will also find a detailed job summary. Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Bambos Kyriacou by emailing cpk@leicester.ac.uk

The Circadian Mental Health Network in association with the James Lind Alliance has launched a new survey for research priority setting about Mental Health and the Body Clock. The survey will be open until June 15th 2024. Find out more in this video. Complete the survey online here or download it to complete from here. We are discovering more and more about the importance of the relationships between mental health and the body clock through research. We need your help to find out more. Has a disrupted body clock impacted your mental health? Or has your mental health impacted your body clock? What questions would you like answered concerning mental health and the body clock? Your questions will help inform what future research should be focused on. Your questions will help to shape research to benefit as many people as possible. We are looking to understand the relationships between mental health and the body clock. This survey was put together by our Steering Group, which includes researchers, clinicians, support charity members and people with lived experience. We want to know what matters most to people experiencing difficulties related to mental health and the body clock. We will share these answers so that research can be focused on what is important. This survey is open to UK residents over 11 years old. If you are aged 11-17 and are interested in the survey, we encourage you to let a parent, guardian or carer know before taking part.

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