Talented and motivated students passionate about doing research are invited to apply for this PhD position. The successful applicant will join the Crick PhD Programme in September 2022 and will register for their PhD at one of the Crick partner universities (Imperial College London, King’s College London or UCL).
This 4-year PhD studentship is offered in Dr Philippa Matthews’ Group based at the Francis Crick Institute (the Crick).
There is a huge global burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, but it is a neglected disease accounting for approaching a million deaths annually [1]. We are working in the context of ambitious global targets for elimination [2]. Our recently established group at the Crick Institute, led by Philippa Matthews, is working on developing a better understanding of HBV infection, by investigating how the interplay between the pathogen and host leads to diverse outcomes. These range from long-term control of the virus, through to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
Working with clinical and research collaborators in the UK (London and Oxford), South Africa and Uganda, we have access to clinical samples and host data representing varied populations, providing unique opportunities to study factors that underpin different disease outcomes. We are currently establishing new partnerships in Kenya (KEMRI Wellcome Institute) and at the Africa Health Research Institute in Durban. In African settings, co-infection with HIV represents a specific challenge, but is also an opportunity to improve mechanistic understanding and to refine approaches to treatment.
We combine diverse approaches, utilising state-of-the-art resources and expertise available at the Crick institute, which will include pathogen sequencing [3], structural biology, flow cytometry and analysis of large population datasets and host genetic data. The project benefits from close links to Prof Mala Maini’s group based in the new Pears Building, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL, through which we have opportunities to complement virological profiling with in-depth analysis of HBV-specific adaptive immunity (in blood and liver) [4], to determine correlates of control vs. progression.
Examples of previous projects include studies of viral sequence motifs associated with drug and vaccine resistance, hepatocellular carcinoma, and occult infection, to develop insights into the way that HBV sequence changes can influence pathophysiology and disease outcomes, and informing better ways to deploy treatment and vaccinations (e.g. [5]). We are seeking a PhD fellow to advance this work, with the opportunity to develop and optimise sensitive approaches to full genome sequencing, correlating sequence data with existing and novel biomarkers to develop an understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, and linking in vitro findings to real-world cohorts.
The exact project will be determined upon joining. Lab members are encouraged to contribute to ideas and planning as the project is established, and throughout the course of the PhD programme. Our aim is to develop and maintain an atmosphere that nurtures scientific creativity and productivity, to capitalize on the many opportunities for collaboration with other groups at the Crick Institute, and to foster positive relationships with national and international partners.
Candidate background
We are keen to encourage applications from students with interests in sequencing and pathogen genomics, and with the desire to apply laboratory data to translational questions that may directly inform clinical and public health approaches. Candidates will need the ability to work in a collaborative group, and an enthusiasm for pursuing diverse approaches to research questions, ranging from wet lab work through to bioinformatic analyses.
Applicants should hold or expect to gain a first/upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject and have appropriate research experience as part of, or outside of, a university degree course and/or a Masters degree in a relevant subject.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE ONLINE VIA OUR WEBSITE (ACCESSIBLE VIA THE ‘INSTITUTION WEBSITE’ LINK ABOVE) BY 12:00 (NOON) 11 November 2021. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN ANY OTHER FORMAT.
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