Exogenous corticosteroids (dexamethasone) are standard of care for patients with COVID-19 and have been shown to cut mortality by up to 30% in acutely ill patients. Recent data suggests that patients with ongoing symptoms post-COVID19 have low levels of the endogenous steroid hormone cortisol. Therefore patients with COVID experience a marked spike in steroid followed by relative steroid deficiency in cases of ongoing symptoms. We have recently shown profound changes in the immune cell proteome at 1 month after COVID-19 infection. In this study, using clinical samples and in-vitro experiments treating immune cells with cortisol and other steroids, we will profile the changes in immune cell function induced by corticosteroid treatment with the aim of understanding novel targets for acute and “long covid”.
Type: immunology, Translational, wet/dry lab Disease areas: COVID-19, acute and chronic lung infections
Studentship Funding
Fully funded scholarships are available to a limited number of students. These scholarships are funded for 1 year.
Funding includes:
- tuition fees (UK rate only)
- stipend –2022-23 - £16,062
- research consumables
We can only fund Home Fees. International students are welcome to apply but, if successful, must be able to fund the difference in fees.
Eligibility
Must possess or be expected to possess by the time of starting the Masters by Research, at least one of the following:
- First class, or 2(i) honours degree in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent
English language requirements
IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (Reading 5.5, Listening 5.5, Speaking 5.5 Writing 6.0)
How to apply
Candidates should provide a CV and a short statement (up to 500-words) supporting their application and email it to [Email Address Removed] by 30th November 2022. The short statement should include details of:
- Their personal motivation to undertake a multidisciplinary Masters by Research in respiratory medicine and infectious diseases.
- Why this training programme is of interest to them.
- Their preferred project and why they selected a particular project
Informal Dundee should be sent to the course director Professor James Chalmers: [Email Address Removed]
Candidates are strongly encouraged to discuss their applications with us in advance, and we are happy to arrange discussions with our previous postgraduate students.
Masters of research training programme in Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Disease
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic illustrates the critical importance of infectious diseases and respiratory medicine to global public health. Along with acute respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and pneumonia, non-communicable diseases such as COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis affects millions of people worldwide, with few effective or proven treatments. Research into respiratory infection is unlocking the potential of the microbiome to discover new treatments and diagnostic tests, with the potential to support precision medicine. Understanding the immunology of respiratory infections can lead to new treatments and vaccines to prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality. A masters in research in this exciting field will lay the perfect foundation for a career in medical research.
This course is particularly well suited to candidates who may wish to pursue a PhD degree in future.
The programme
This masters training programme offers opportunities for up to 3 students per year to join our research community.
Based in the Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee but with collaborators in multiple institutions, students will be embedded in multidisciplinary research teams conducting cutting edge research. Students will work alongside both clinicians and scientists conducting bench to bedside translational research. Excellent research training opportunities are provided, and previous masters and PhD students have won national and international awards as well as publishing high impact papers arising from their studies. Training opportunities include those provided by the Doctoral Academy in Dundee.
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