Investigating the impact of inflammation on cardiovascular disease

We are seeking talented, motivated students with a passion for research in cardiovascular inflammation and immune-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases to join the group of Dr Asif Iqbal (Dr Asif Iqbal - Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences - University of Birmingham). Applicants should have a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant scientific discipline, and who are self-funded or have typically applied for, or secured funding for their studies from their government, employer or associated charitable organisations.

The Iqbal group works at the interface of immunology, vascular biology, biorheology and glycobiology, using state of the art in vitro and in vivo approaches, to understand how the molecular interactions between endogenous lectins and their ligands can mediate cellular processes relevant to immune cell trafficking and inflammation. We also have a major interest in dissecting the molecular mechanism of pro-inflammatory cytokine mediated inflammatory diseases. Broadly speaking the two main areas of interest:

1.    Galectin Biology in pathways associated with Inflammation

a.    Determining the role of endogenous Galectin-9 in monocyte recruitment (in vitro) and atherosclerosis progression and regression (in vivo) 

b.    Exploring the role of Galectins in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with state-of-the-art single cell sequencing and proteomic approaches

c.    In depth molecular characterisation of endothelial derived Galectins and their regulation in response to shear stress

d.    Characterising Galectin-9 role in T lymphocyte trafficking in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions

e.    Understanding the role of Galectin-9 monocyte and platelet interactions in thrombo-inflammation

2.    IL-17 a novel target in innate immune signalling 

a.    IL-17 induced inflammation and its role in modulating mPGES-1/PPAR-γ pathways in monocytes and macrophages

b.    Developing novel reagents and tools targeting IL-17 for therapeutic application

We combine imaging novel in vitro, multi-cellular static and flow-based culture systems incorporating primary human cells (from healthy individuals or patients), with systems biology approaches to large omics datasets (e.g., RNAseq, metabolomic or proteomic data) and murine models of vascular inflammation.

PhD projects, using these approaches, answering translationally relevant research questions are available to self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates interested in joining Iqbal group.

APPLICATION ROUTES

Self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates interested in joining the team can select one of 3 different routes for undertaking a PhD in the field of Cardiovascular Sciences. 

Applicants with research experience and/or Master’s degree should apply directly to the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences for either a 3 or 4 year full-time PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/research/med/cardiovascular-sciences.aspx This route requires applicants to submit a drafted research proposal.

Applicants seeking additional research experience or who have yet to complete a Master’s degree should apply to the 4 year Integrated Doctoral Training Programme in Life Sciences for Health, which combined a MRes and PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr/idtp/index.aspx. 

Applicants will need to submit the following documentation during the application process:

•  Detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth; 

•  Covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities and why you wish to undertake a PhD in the team; 

•  Names and addresses of two referees; 

•  Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts written in English; 

•  Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable. 

•  Evidence of scholarship application/funding or independent funding.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

University of Birmingham offers pre-sessional English Language courses through the Birmingham International Academy – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/bia/presessional/index.aspx

For additional information on postgraduate studying at University of Birmingham please click - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate

For additional information on research at the College of Medical and Dental Sciences please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/index.aspx

For additional information on research in the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/cardiovascular-sciences/index.aspx