Invasive fungal infections kill more people per year than TB or malaria. Immunosuppressed patients (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, acute myeloid leukaemia, HIV, bone marrow transplant patients) are at high risk of developing invasive fungal infections. The mortality rates associated with invasive fungal infections in these patients are unacceptably high and anti-fungal therapies often interfere with the patients’ primary treatment such as cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, the development of novel treatments including immunotherapies are urgently needed.

The aim of this fully funded PhD studentship is to determine the role of specific C-type lectin-like receptors (CLRs) in response to a range of fungal pathogens and to test the ability of receptor agonists to boost the immune response and clearance of these pathogens. This will determine the immunotherapeutic potential of two CLR targets to enhance anti-fungal immune responses and the ability to clear fungal infections with life-threatening pathogens. The student will learn a broad range of techniques including tissue culture, flow cytometry, ELISA and in vivo models of infection. Research in this lab involves a combination of basic research and translational research. This project offers the student an opportunity to work in an excellent fungal immunology group with a strong funding and publication record.  

*FUNDING CONFIRMED – Department for the Economy (DfE)*

Eligibility for both fees (£4260 for 2018/19, 2019/20 TBC) and maintenance (£14,777 for 2018/19, 2019/20 TBC) depends on the applicants being either an ordinary UK resident or those EU residents who have lived permanently in the UK for the 3 years immediately preceding the start of the studentship.

Non UK residents who hold EU residency may also apply but if successful may receive fees only.

For further details re eligibility criteria (including academic, citizenship and residency criteria) please click on the following link: View Website

Entry Requirements 

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/

Supervisors

Dr S Orr

How to Apply

Please refer to 'Entry Requirements' for specific admissions criteria.

Apply online via the Queen's on-line application portal .  Guidance is available on the University’s Prospective Student pages.

When applying for a project, please choose ‘MEDICINE’ as your subject area/School.

Please ensure you adhere to the closing dates.

If you have any further queries please contact:  pgoffice.smdb@qub.ac.uk  or +44 (0) 28 9097 2619/2042.