A fully funded 4-year MRC funded Integrative Toxicology Training Partnership (ITTP) Studentship PhD studentship is available, commencing on 1st October 2022.
The aim of the project is to identify Adeno-associated virus (AAV) toxicity biomarkers by cutting edge spatial proteomics tools in vitro.
AAV is a small parvovirus composed of a capsid, which can be engineered to act as a vector delivery system for gene therapy or to enable in vivo expression of biologics. In a minority of cases, application of AAV based therapies lead to adverse effects (AE) in the clinic, including liver toxicity.
The student will employ a multi-omics approach to characterize AAV-cell interactions, using novel spatial proteomics methods developed by Professor Kathryn Lilley’s group (http://proteomics.bio.cam.ac.uk/), that accurately locate proteins to subcellular structures on a proteome wide scale 1. These data will be integrated with whole proteome analysis and validated using a variety of cell biological methods, including cutting-edge high resolution imaging in cellular systems such as primary models. The student will identify vector-based drivers of AAV toxicity by determining the respective contributions of capsid serotypes, transgene sequences and impurities. They will identify host cell factors that contribute to synthetic toxic effects of AAV by comparing a range of patient-derived material across various indications from transcriptomics data. This project has the potential to enrich our knowledge of AAV host interactions and inform future design of therapeutic agents.
The aim of the MRC-ITTP awards is to provide PhD students with a first class training experience both in academic and non-academic partner organizations. This project is partnered by AstraZeneca (AZ), a world-leading company specializing in antibody, vector delivery for gene therapy and peptide therapeutics.
The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by Prof.
Lilley, in the Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge and a supervisory
team at AZ, soon to be located at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Further
details of our PhD program can be found at
https://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/graduate/new-graduates.
Applicants should hold or be about to achieve a First or Upper-Second (2.i) class degree in a relevant subject.
Funding: A stipend
(currently approx.. £17500) will be provided for up to 4 years. This funding
covers the University Composition Fee (Home fees rate) and Maintenance and
consumables. The studentship is open to UK citizens or EU students who meet the
UK residency requirements for Home fees, and international (including EU)
candidates able to provide the difference in Home and Overseas fees from other
sources. For further information see: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status.
Application: To apply please e-mail Prof. Lilley ([Email Address Removed]) with following information by 18th March 2022:
CV (max two pages), with full contact details of 2 academic referees and a covering letter (max two pages) highlighting (a) your research interests (b) what you hope to achieve from the programme, (c) your career aspirations (d) why you wish to undertake this PhD.
Also, please apply to the University by the above deadline using
the Applicant Portal: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/how-do-i-apply. Fully
completed applications. Please search in the Course Directory for
"Biochemistry" PhD studentships. PLEASE NOTE you must complete the 'Research Summary' section of the University application form.
Please direct any questions to the Graduate Admissions Administrator at [Email Address Removed].
The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.
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