SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus to which we apparently have no immunity and presents a challenge for humankind across the world. The proposed project is to identify molecular markers for Covid-19 disease progression. It is proposed to undertake a hypothesis-generating study to characterise proteomic markers of patients with differing severities of Covid-19 disease (mild illness, pneumonia, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, septic shock). This will be achieved by undertaking a comprehensive proteomic profiling of serum samples taken prospectively from in-patients through the progression of their SARS-CoV-2 infection from hospital admission to recovery or non-resolution. Classic statistical methods (e.g. multivariate regression models) and machine learning approaches (e.g. random forest) will be used to develop molecular phenotypes linked to clinical phenotypes of disease. Outputs will include candidate biomarkers to identify those at risk of severe disease to support rapid clinical decision making and identify disease pathways which will help support identification of new treatments and management strategies. This research is aligned to the COVID-19 MS and is supported through collaboration with Waters Corporation. The successful student will have the opportunity to access the Waters platform technology at its Manchester base.
Entry Requirements
Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Chemistry or a related area / subject. Candidates with experience with an interest in multidisciplinary research, spanning the laboratory and the clinic are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Immunology.
For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk.
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