The post
A BBSRC/CASE PhD studentship is available for 3 years in the School of Biomedical Sciences. The post is based at the Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings campus close to the city centre. Excellent scientific environment and research facilities. This is a unique training opportunity in molecular microbiology, bacterial pathogenesis and drug discovery.
The project
The multihost pathogenic actinomycete Rhodococcus equi, a facultative intracellular parasite of macrophages, is the causative agent of a severe respiratory disease of horses. R. equi is also an emerging human opportunistic pathogen associated with severe, tuberculosis-like infections in HIV-infected patients and immunosuppressed individuals. We recently sequenced and analysed the genome of R. equi (Letek et al. 2010, PLoS Genet. 6(9): e1001145). In this project we will use genome-wide expression profiling and mutant analysis to identify and characterize the mechanisms used by R. equi to cause infection and persist in the environment. The insight into R. equi infection biology derived from these studies will provide a rational framework for translational research in R. equi vaccine development. It will also enhance our knowledge of intracellular parasitism and, by comparison, the infection mechanisms of related pathogens, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The candidate
Biomedical or biological sciences graduate. Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a first or upper second-class degree. A Masters degree or equivalent laboratory experience in the field would be an advantage. You should be a hard-working, strongly motivated, intellectually capable individual willing to undertake a research career and to carry out a demanding project through to completion. You must have enthusiasm, initiative, good interpersonal skills and capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
Funding note
Candidates must be eligible by residence for a UK BBSRC studentship (Candidates from EU countries out with the UK are eligible for a full award if they have completed three years’ full time education, or employment, in the UK, immediately prior to the studentship).
Applications with CV, cover letter and contact details of two academic referees to Prof. Jose Vazquez-Boland (jvbgroup@ed.ac.uk)
Closing Date for Applications: 5th January 2011
Start date: September / October 2011
A BBSRC/CASE PhD studentship is available for 3 years in the School of Biomedical Sciences. The post is based at the Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Ashworth Laboratories, King’s Buildings campus close to the city centre. Excellent scientific environment and research facilities. This is a unique training opportunity in molecular microbiology, bacterial pathogenesis and drug discovery.
The project
The multihost pathogenic actinomycete Rhodococcus equi, a facultative intracellular parasite of macrophages, is the causative agent of a severe respiratory disease of horses. R. equi is also an emerging human opportunistic pathogen associated with severe, tuberculosis-like infections in HIV-infected patients and immunosuppressed individuals. We recently sequenced and analysed the genome of R. equi (Letek et al. 2010, PLoS Genet. 6(9): e1001145). In this project we will use genome-wide expression profiling and mutant analysis to identify and characterize the mechanisms used by R. equi to cause infection and persist in the environment. The insight into R. equi infection biology derived from these studies will provide a rational framework for translational research in R. equi vaccine development. It will also enhance our knowledge of intracellular parasitism and, by comparison, the infection mechanisms of related pathogens, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The candidate
Biomedical or biological sciences graduate. Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a first or upper second-class degree. A Masters degree or equivalent laboratory experience in the field would be an advantage. You should be a hard-working, strongly motivated, intellectually capable individual willing to undertake a research career and to carry out a demanding project through to completion. You must have enthusiasm, initiative, good interpersonal skills and capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
Funding note
Candidates must be eligible by residence for a UK BBSRC studentship (Candidates from EU countries out with the UK are eligible for a full award if they have completed three years’ full time education, or employment, in the UK, immediately prior to the studentship).
Applications with CV, cover letter and contact details of two academic referees to Prof. Jose Vazquez-Boland (jvbgroup@ed.ac.uk)
Closing Date for Applications: 5th January 2011
Start date: September / October 2011