EastBio: Inflammatory Fat: Understanding how the immune system drives adipose tissue dysfunction using spatial lipidomics

In obesity, adipose tissue can become inflamed with the infiltration of immune cells, particularly macrophages, which surround adipocytes to create crown-like structures. These structures have been associated with increased release of pro-inflammatory signals such as cytokines and lipid signalling molecules (lipid mediators). This process can tip the body from a healthy storage of fats to a state associated with systemic inflammation which may contribute to a number of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. However, we do not understand how this process initially develops in healthy individuals.

We have been using metabolomics and lipidomics to better understand how inappropriate fat metabolism contributes to cell dysfunction [1]. This project will develop lipidomic tools to profile lipid mediators generated in adipose tissue taken from obese individuals, who are otherwise healthy to understand the early mechanistic changes that accompany adipose tissue inflammation – a process referred to as metainflammation. We will use liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to profile lipid signalling molecules including eicosanoids, ceramides and diacylglycerols [2] in adipose tissue taken from different sites across the body to reflect different roles in lipid storage (visceral v subcutaneous; fat pads used for cushioning such as in the hip). Parallel to this, macrophage infiltration will be measured by microscopy and cell staining as well as the novel approach of mass spectrometry imaging [3] allowing us to probe metabolic changes at the single cell level. We will use multivariate statistics to combine the -omic datasets to understand how macrophage infiltration is associated with the production of inflammatory lipid signalling molecules under dietary or mechanical challenge. This will build up a unique atlas of metabolic signalling in human adipose tissue.

This studentship would best suit a biologist/biochemist/chemist with experience of mass spectrometry and/or immunology. However, we do not expect candidates to have all the relevant skills for this studentship and we will provide training in mass spectrometry, immunology and multivariate statistics as required.

This project is available for part-time study (Home/UK students only).

Interested applicants should contact the lead supervisor to discuss the project prior to applying. You can do this by selecting the first listed name at the top of this advert and sending your enquiry. Alternatively, you can search for the supervisor through the University of Aberdeen staff directory and email them directly.

Eligibility:

Applicants should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Those with a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) may be considered, provided they have (or are expected to achieve) a Distinction or Commendation at master’s level.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team.

All students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on funding for postgraduate training and development. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Terms and conditions for training funding – UKRI.

Application Procedure

For full details and to download the application form, visit: https://biology.ed.ac.uk/eastbio/how-to-apply

Please note that you may only apply for one EASTBIO project.

1. Application submission

Submit your complete application by 23:59 GMT on 16th November 2026 to smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk.

Send your application as a single email with the subject line: “EASTBIO Application – [Your Name]”

2. Required documents

Your application email must include the following:

• Completed EASTBIO application form
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Two references (one reference may be non-academic)

3. References

All references must be provided using the official EASTBIO reference form (available here).

References can be either:

• Included with your application, or
• Sent directly by referees to smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk with the subject line: “EASTBIO Reference – [Your Name]”

All references must be received by 23:59 GMT on 16th November 2026.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure both references are submitted by the deadline, as we cannot request them on your behalf.

Important notes

• No research proposal is required.
• Do not include any additional documents (for example, school certificates, conference papers, or dissertations).
• Incomplete applications or those including unnecessary materials will not be considered.
• Due to workload constraints, we are unable to follow up on missing documents or process incomplete applications.
• All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.
• We will confirm receipt of your applications upon processing. Due to the high volume of applications, this may not be until after the deadline. We ask that you please refrain from contacting us regarding updates or to see if your application has been received.

For any questions or assistance with the application process, please contact smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk.

Funding Notes

This fully funded, four-year PhD project is offered as part of a competition within the EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership. The opportunity is open to both UK and international applicants, although the proportion of international students recruited through the EASTBIO DTP is capped at 30% by UKRI BBSRC.

EASTBIO studentships provide a tax-free UKRI doctoral stipend (estimated at £22,437 for the 2027/28 academic year), a training grant of £5,000 per year for the first three years (and £1,500 in the fourth year), and a travel and conference allowance of £230 per year.

Please note that EASTBIO is unable to fund visa costs or associated healthcare surcharges for international students.

References

1. Towards metabolic biomarkers of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: progress from the metabolome. Roberts LD et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2014;2(1):65-75.
2. A Comprehensive UHPLC Ion Mobility Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Method for Profiling and Quantification of Eicosanoids, Other Oxylipins, and Fatty Acids. Hinz C et al.. Anal Chem. 2019 Jul 2;91(13):8025-8035.
3. Lipid zonation and phospholipid remodeling in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatology. Hall Z. et al., 2017;65(4):1165-1180.