Deadline for applications: 29 Jun 2020
Location: Brighton
Project Description
Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship to join our tuberculosis research group in the Department of Global Health and Infection at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS). The project will use cutting-edge technologies to characterise Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the site of disease, in lung tissue. The studentship, starting in October 2020, is a collaboration with Public Health England (PHE), National Infection Service, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK.
Tuberculosis (TB) is among the top ten causes of death worldwide. A more effective vaccine and new drugs with novel mechanisms of action are desperately required. However, we are yet to identify the key protective antigens to target for vaccination or define druggable bacterial pathways that will eradicate TB bacteria from the lung. This project will use whole-genome molecular profiling tools to characterise Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli in lung tissue and map host-pathogen interactions. The project is a collaboration between Dr Waddell at BSMS and Dr Salguero, Dr Sharpe and Dr Rawkins at PHE Porton. The applicant will have the opportunity to work at both institutions, with the majority of time spent at BSMS. The project offers a wide range of training and career development opportunities and the student will acquire essential skills including microbiology, molecular biology, transcriptomics, immunology, histopathology, bioinformatics and working with pathogenic bacteria in Containment Level 3 facilities. This should provide the successful candidate with critical skills and substantial experience to make them a highly competitive candidate for a postdoctoral research.
For more information, or to apply, visit the job webpage.