GW4 BioMed MRC DTP PhD studentship: Understanding the complex threat of Aspergillus infections when treating vulnerable people with cystic fibrosis

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the ‘GW4 BioMed MRC Doctoral Training Partnership’ which is offering up to 17 studentships for entry in October 2021.

+++ Note: Full funding may not be available for all applicants. Please see the Funding Notes below for more information +++

The DTP brings together the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter to develop the next generation of biomedical researchers. Students will have access to the combined research strengths, training expertise and resources of the four research-intensive universities. More information may be found here: https://www.gw4biomed.ac.uk/.

SUPERVISORY TEAM:

Dr Neil Brown (lead), University of Bath, Department of Biology & Biochemistry https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/neil-brown
Prof Samuel Sheppard, University of Bath, Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Dr Philip Mitchelmore, University of Exeter, College of Medicine and Health
Prof Elizabeth Johnson, Public Health England, National Mycology Reference Library

THE PROJECT:

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited life-limiting disease. Respiratory fungal infections, especially aspergillosis, contribute significantly to disease progression, declining lung function and high mortality rates. People with CF receive frequent and aggressive antifungal treatments. The emergence of Aspergillus populations resistant to antifungal drugs is a major concern to the CF community, while Aspergillus CF lung colonisation has been linked with parasexual recombination and the evolution of antifungal drug tolerance. Greater awareness of the interactions between CF patient histories, drug treatments and the Aspergillus populations causing CF patient infections is essential to advance our management of this disease.

Here, we will establish a CF Aspergillus collection, including historic isolates obtained from the National Mycology Reference Laboratory (Public Health England, PHE) and new isolates with their associated clinical data from CF patients throughout the South West. We will use next-generation genome sequencing, molecular mycology and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to evaluate the Aspergillus population and identify the genetic determinants for fungal pathogenicity and antifungal susceptibility in CF patients. Finally, we will deploy big data science and AI to identify interactions between clinical management, Aspergillus population adaptations within the CF lung, and the development of fungal complications.

These studies will advance our understanding of i) which CF patients are particularly vulnerable to Aspergillus infections, ii) which Aspergillus populations pose the greatest threat, aiding in the development of molecular diagnostics, and iii) how different medical treatments impact on fungal infections. This will deliver the knowledge of this complex disease required to improve future CF patient care.

This project will deliver excellent interdisciplinary training and cross-disciplinary mentorship from three partner institutions. This will be achieved by combining clinical expertise in CF treatment (Mitchelmore, Exeter) and medical diagnostics (Johnson; PHE Bristol) with molecular mycology and big data science (Brown and Sheppard; Bath). The student will benefit from spending time, and receiving expert training, at all three institutions. The student will have opportunities to attend Medical Mycology conferences and to be involved in collaborations within the GW4 alliance and with the University of São Paulo-Brazil. Collectively, this will provide the student with excellent medical biosciences training and career development opportunities.

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an area appropriate to the skills requirements of the project.

IMPORTANT: In order to apply for this project, you should apply using the DTP’s online application form: https://cardiff.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/gw4-biomed-mrc-doctoral-training-partnership-student-appl-2

You do NOT need to apply to the University of Bath at this stage – only those applicants who are successful in obtaining an offer of funding form the DTP will be required to submit an application to study at Bath.

More information on the application process may be found here:
https://www.gw4biomed.ac.uk/doctoral-students/

APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 17:00 ON 23 NOVEMBER 2020.