Elucidation of the possible role of campylobacter concisus as a cause of gastro-intestinal disease

Project Outline
The aetiological agents causing infective diarrhoea are only established in approximately 50% of all clinical cases. In those where a causative agent is identified, Campylobacter jejuni is the most common pathogen. Recently, a role for other Campylobacter species in causing gastrointestinal disease has been proposed, but their role, if any, remains to be established. One of these, C. concisus, is becoming increasingly associated with a number of gastrointestinal conditions, though its role remains controversial. It is now being linked with a role in gastroenteritis, but more significantly, it is being associated with long-term chronic conditions such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease). The proposed investigation will compare C. jejuni, the most common cause of diarrhoea in humans, with this emerging pathogen, to undertake comparative analysis and investigate host-microbial interactions that might underpin the development of disease pathology.

Person Requirements
Applicants must have a good honours degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) or an MSc in a bioscience discipline relevant to the research project and appropriate laboratory experience. Applicants must also have good communication skills and a high level of written and spoken English. Where English is not the applicant’s first language, a minimum IELTS Academic English score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components is required.

The holder of the studentship will be expected to:
• Complete their doctoral studies and submit their dissertation in a timely fashion
• Prepare papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals
• Participate in and contribute to research activities of the School and activities relevant to their sponsors
• Undertake up to 6 hours of academic support activity per week
• Be prepared to travel and work in collaborating institutions.
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Application Procedure
Informal enquiries about the studentships should be addressed to the Director of Studies. Applicants should contact Ms. Claire Daltrey ([Email Address Removed] or 020 8223 4540) to obtain an application form. Applications will only be accepted on the official form. There are 3 studentships available in the Bioscience field. Applicants are advised to apply for the available projects that best match their interests, knowledge and skills. Applicants who apply for more that one project will be asked to select their preferred topic. The closing date for completed applications is 31st May 2013. Interviews will be held in the week of the 24th June/1st July 2013.

For more information about research in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience visit uel.ac.uk/hsb/research.