About the Project
Supervisors: Dr. Emer Reeves, Primary supervisor; Dr. Mark Murphy, Co-supervisor
Host Institution: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Deadline for expressions of interest: 20th September 2019
IRC application deadline: 31st October 2019
Project start date: September 2020
Project Aims:
This project aims to further explore the antimicrobial potential of a novel antimicrobial protein of neutrophil granules that we have recently discovered. You will explore the efficacy and spectrum of activity of this protein against a broad range of important human pathogens, particularly those that chronically colonise people with cystic fibrosis, with which we have particular expertise. In an era of widespread antimicrobial resistance, this project aims to extend our options in antimicrobial chemotherapy.
Competencies:
Through this project, the candidate will become highly skilled in microbiology, particularly in the characterisation of antimicrobial agents, as well as additional techniques including confocal microscopy. You develop key competencies in molecular biology, as production of derivatives of this protein by recombinant technology will be a central focus. Furthermore, we envisage that you will conduct preclinical testing of these proteins in murine models of infection. In addition, this project will afford the candidate the opportunity to become familiar with chronic infection in critical care and respiratory disease settings through engagement with our team of clinicians and scientists in the Irish Centre for Genetic Lung Disease at Beaumont Hospital. During your project, you will seek to present your findings at international scientific conferences and publish in high impact, peer reviewed journals.
In the first instance, the candidate will prepare an application to the Irish Research Council GOIPG scholarship scheme in close collaboration with Dr. Reeves. If successful, the candidate will register with RCSI for a full-time, 4 year structured PhD where they will complete a professional certificate in research practice during their study. RCSI will supplement this award, raising the stipend to €18000 per annum and increasing the consumables budget by €5000 pa.
Requirements:
The IRC GOIPG Scholarship Award is highly competitive and to be successful, the candidate should have a first or upper second undergraduate honours degree in biological sciences or a related subject, or with strong grades from a related Masters’ degree. Previous publication(s) would be a distinct advantage. A knowledge of infectious disease microbiology and a keen interest in antimicrobial research would be an advantage.
Expressions of interest should include a detailed CV with the names and contact details of two academic referees as well as a cover letter outlining your motivations for the role. These should be sent by email to [Email Address Removed] by the 20th September 2019. Informal queries are also welcomed. The successful candidate will work to prepare the full application, with our support, by the 31st of October 2019.