WR DTP project: Molecular assembly of a bacteria-sensing immune complex.

The innate immune system is our first line of defence to protect our body against bacterial and viral infections. Our lab is studying how immune cells recognize and respond to infection through an immune pathway called the inflammasomes. The Boucher lab is developing systems to study inflammasome and the innate immune response in humans to translate our discoveries into therapeutics more efficiently. Recently, we identified novel protein receptors that recognise intracellular infections to generate inflammation.

During this project, you will use a combination of cutting-edge biochemistry and microscopy techniques to unravel the assembly of this complex and study how inflammasome control the innate immune response. You will be trained in various techniques including (but are not limited to) protein expression, genetic engineering of cells, microscopy, flow cytometry, cellular immunology, and biochemical characterization of protein interactions.

You will work in a highly stimulating environment and benefit from the synergy between the Boucher, Barilla, and Baumann labs. You will be skill-trained through the White Rose DTP in Mechanistic Biology and through lab meetings, seminars, conferences, and outreach activities to help you develop a broad range of scientific and transferable skills in a highly supportive environment.

The project is suitable for applicants with a strong interest in immunology, biochemistry, and microbiology ready to tackle a challenging but rewarding project.

The White Rose DTP in Mechanistic Biology is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.