Using single-cell transcriptomics to identify biomarkers of disease remission in psoriasis

This project will use a multi-layered approach to characterise the immune cell populations driving remission in the common inflammatory skin disease psoriasis. It will combine the computational analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing datasets and the experimental characterisation of patient material with techniques such as multi-colour flow-cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy.  

This project has the potential to identify biomarkers of remission in patients receiving powerful biologic drugs for psoriasis, to inform the identification of those suitable for treatment withdrawal. This research is highly generalisable to other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases where long-term use of biologics is associated with increased risk of infection, adverse drug reactions and high healthcare costs.

The student will join a supportive, high performing multi-disciplinary research group at St John’s Institute of Dermatology, a world-leading centre of excellence in skin research. The student will have a basic science and a clinical academic supervisor with combined expertise spanning psoriasis, genetics, transcriptomics research and computational data analysis. Both supervisors have a track record of working closely together to produce high impact outputs. The student will undertake a structured training programme to equip them with both analytical and experimental research skills.

Attributes of suitable applicants:

The candidate should have a BSc degree (minimum upper second) or MSc in a relevant biomedical discipline. While previous experience in computational data analysis is desirable, training in R programming will be provided if needed. The applicant should be highly motivated, striving for research and training excellence, and an effective interdisciplinary communicator. 

Training:

All students are regularly notified about skills development opportunities through a monthly Postgraduate Research Newsletter. Participation in the annual Postgraduate Research Symposium is compulsory for all students and provides an opportunity to improve science communication and presentation skills. All postgraduate students in the School of Basic and Medical Biosciences present their research as part of departmental seminar programmes as well as to their research groups. Opportunities are available for postgraduate students to present their work at national and international scientific meetings. 

Eligibility critera:

The candidate should have a BSc degree (minimum upper second) or MSc in a relevant biomedical discipline. While previous experience in computational data analysis is desirable, training in R programming will be provided if needed. The applicant should be highly motivated, striving for research and training excellence, and an effective interdisciplinary communicator.

Visit our website for details of academic and English language requirements, as well as full details on how to apply.

How to apply:

Please apply online at https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/ and follow the steps outlined below.

1. Register a new account and login.
2. Open a new application
3. On the Choose a programme page:
4. Type ‘Basic and Medical Bioscience Research’
5. Select from the drop-down menu ‘Basic and Medical Biosciences Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time)’

Information about the programme can be found via: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-courses/basic-medical-biosciences-research

NB: your application cannot be considered if submitted under the incorrect programme

1. Tick the 01/10/2021 start date

Please complete the application including the following information:

• Academic Transcripts – where applicable, academic transcripts must be submitted with the online admissions application
• Details of your qualifications (you will need to attach copies)
• Details of previous employment
• A personal statement describing your interests and why you wish to apply for this project. Please include this as an attachment uploaded under ‘other’.
• Research proposal – there is no need to complete this section as the project has already been defined.
• Academic References – all admissions applications require two supporting references. If the applicant is relying on their referees to submit references directly to the College after they have submitted their application, then the applicant must ensure that their chosen referees are made aware of the funding deadline.
• Funding - Select option 5 and in the box marked ‘Award Scheme Code or name’ enter 2021/BMBS/02

Application deadline: 23:59 (BST) 4th July 2021

Interview date: Tuesday 13^th July 2021