Dr Jose Romero

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Jose’s research focuses on how mitochondrial dysfunction drives aging and chronic disease, and how restoring mitochondrial health could lead to new therapies.

Mitochondria are the cell’s powerhouses, and their dysfunction disrupts bioenergetics while producing harmful by-products that can compromise tissue function. In healthy cells, mitochondrial quality control mechanisms—including mitophagy, biogenesis, and fusion/fission dynamics—ensure that faulty mitochondria are efficiently replaced. Jose investigates how these systems fail in aging and disease, using human-derived samples and relevant disease models. His ultimate goal is to translate these insights into innovative interventions that rejuvenate cells, protect tissues, and extend healthspan.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: supportive, understanding, goal-driven and guiding.

Provision of Training

I prefer to take responsibility for your technical training at first, leading to more independence later.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I like to be kept up to date, and will expect to see evidence of method development/data generation results on a daily/weekly basis. I have high expectations and will push you to your full potential, but I am also here for advice and guidance to help you reach the goals.

Communication

The team has a WhatsApp group chat with which we regularly communicate during the week. Whilst I expect you to keep up with my/ team communications I will encourage you to manage your work/life balance.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be face to face. I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Work Patterns

Work in my lab requires being present on site (be it in a laboratory or at a field site) during the core hours of 9am - 5pm (or a subset if working part time).

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Previous Projects (2025-26)

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Rahul Mahida.