Linking neural characteristics of central vision loss with psychosocial factors to predict functional outcomes
University of York
Closing date: 27 February 2026
Current neuroimaging and visual acuity measures do not reliably predict functional outcomes or treatment success following visual deficits. We will link neural changes in the retina and brain with lifestyle, mental health, and cognitive function to better predict individual patient outcomes and treatment success in those with central visual loss.
Effects of vision deficits on neural structure and function will be assessed in patients using clinical measures and imaging in the retina and with advanced neuroimaging methods (e.g., MRI) in the brain. Self-reported and objective measures will evaluate activity (both physical and lifestyle) and cognitive function, and functional outcomes using quality-of-life metrics. Secondments will include international collaborations with academic institutions as well as industry partners to develop clinical assessment tools.
The candidate will learn advanced neuroimaging and behavioural assessment methods working with patients at York and with academic partners, and will work with industry partners developing advanced medical imaging to improve patient care.
The candidate will be based at the University of York, UK, with access to the York Neuroimaging Centre, the Department of Psychology and Hull York Medical School, working with Dr Heidi Baseler and Dr Holly Brown who have extensive experience in this topic. Secondments will be with Siloton, Bristol UK (industry) and Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
The candidate will have a keen interest in advanced neuroimaging methods and quantitative analysis and good interpersonal and communication skills to work with patient populations. Good knowledge of statistics is desirable, and some experience with neuroimaging data would be helpful but not essential.
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Exploring how parasites survive treatment in human skin
Closing date: 4 March 2026.
Chronic skin infections are a major clinical problem, often causing non-healing wounds, long-term inflammation, and repeated disease even after treatment. Many of these infections persist because the pathogens hide inside immune cells, such as macrophages, where they are protected from both the immune system and drug therapies.
This PhD project focuses on Leishmania, an intracellular parasite that causes chronic skin leishmaniasis. Although treatments exist, they frequently fail to fully clear the infection, leading to relapse. The reasons for this treatment failure are not well understood.
We have developed a human 3D skin model that includes macrophages infected with Leishmania and mimics the ulcerated skin seen in patients. Parasites survive in this model for several weeks, making it a powerful system to study chronic infection.
Using this model, the project will investigate how the skin environment supports parasite survival, how infection changes macrophage behaviour and immune signalling, and whether drug-tolerant parasite states emerge. The work will combine advanced imaging, gene expression analysis, and targeted genetic approaches to better understand why treatments fail and how this might be overcome.
The PhD student will be primarily supervised by Katrien Van Bocxlaer (HYMS, University of York), with secondary supervision provided by Dr Vivak Parkash based at the University of Sheffield. The supervisory team offers complementary expertise in host–pathogen interactions, advanced in vitro skin models, and infection biology, providing a strong interdisciplinary training environment and access to expertise across both institutions.
For informal enquiries, contact Dr Katrien Van Bocxlaer at katrien.vanbocxlaer@york.ac.uk.
Location and Research Culture
The student will be registered with the Department of Hull York Medical School at the University of York and will be based in an open-plan laboratory shared by multiple research groups. This collaborative environment brings together scientists with diverse expertise in infection biology, immunology, microbiology, and skin research, providing a rich interdisciplinary setting. The student will have access to postdoctoral researchers and technical staff with a broad range of skills, enabling mentorship, skill development, and collaborative opportunities across different experimental approaches. The student will be able to attend a range of seminar series and student run journal clubs covering topics from immunology, microbiology to parasitology, alongside biweekly lab meetings, fostering scientific discussion and professional development. Students also benefit from access to a state-of-the-art technology facility, with expert staff available to provide guidance, training, and advice on advanced experimental techniques. The PhD student community at York is large and vibrant, offering excellent opportunities for peer support, networking, and collaboration across disciplines.
Hull York Medical School’s unique partnership brings together the expertise of both the Universities of Hull and York and offers a thriving environment in which to conduct world-leading research. Strong partnerships with NHS Trusts and community health organisations offer a wide clinical base within which to study those conditions, which most affect our communities – improving their health while developing research work that can be applied nationally and globally.
The School’s academic and clinical researchers at have a strong reputation for their work, 85% of which is classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014). Their research is advancing improvements in healthcare – treatment, diagnosis and care – improving the health of people locally and impacting national and international health agendas in areas such as cancer research, palliative medicine, mental health and global public health.
Find out more about Dr Bocxlaer's research interests and work.
Funding
Full-time UK PhD Scholarships will include fees at the ‘home' student rate and maintenance for three years, depending on satisfactory progress. Further information can be found here.
Start Date
1 April 2026
Qualification Required
In order to qualify for this scholarship, you require an undergraduate degree at least a 2.1, or equivalent, in a relevant subject. English Language IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
This is a student scholarship. If you will be employed by Hull York Medical School (e.g. on a fixed or short term contract) for the duration of your study, you will not be eligible to receive the student scholarship as a member of Hull York Medical School staff.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted to Hull York Medical School via the online application method. Select option PhD in Medical Sciences 2026 April, full time.
For the Panel to get a sense of your academic background, commitment and interest, you are required to complete the application form in full and provide a research proposal/outline of academic interest. Research proposals and personal statements may be used in selecting applicants for interview. If you have any queries on how to apply, please email postgraduate@hyms.ac.uk.
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Interviews
Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted via email. If you are not invited for the interview, it means that your application has not been successful. We do not offer feedback to applicants who are not invited to the interview.