About the Project
The laboratory of Telomeres & Genome Stability in the Molecular Virology Section at the St Mary’s Campus of Imperial College London invites applications for a 3 year PhD position starting in November 2016.
Genome integrity mechanisms actively suppress expansion of genetic instability in cells. Several human viruses provoke genetic instability by subverting the host’s control of genome homeostasis. Human viruses have their own specific tactics for genome maintenance, which can modify natural host telomere structure and chromosome stability. The central goal of the project is to understand the function of molecular events arising at telomeres and propagated in host cells upon viral infection, the influence these have on the execution of telomere homeostasis, and how these events contribute to the ageing of immune system, systemic inflammation, and cancer. The student will employ a combination of genomic, molecular virology, and biochemical approaches to examine consequences of conformational, epigenetic, and functional alterations occurring at telomeres during viral infection. He/she will also advance established projects into animal models, which will allow assessing virus-induced telomere dysfunction on a cellular and whole organism level.
Techniques and responsibilities applied to this project will include, but are not limited to:
- performing a wide variety of virology, molecular biology, and biochemistry techniques (e.g. virus production and cell infection, cloning, protein purification, telomere assays, etc.)
- using advanced microscopy techniques (confocal microscopy, single molecule methods, super-resolution STORM microscopy)
carrying out data analysis, developing and planning research projects, and writing research manuscripts.
Funding Notes
The studentship is open to both home/EU and overseas students. It includes payment of home/EU fees and a stipend of £17,500pa. Overseas students should be able to demonstrate adequate financial support to cover the difference between the home/EU fee and the overseas fee.
Applicants should be highly motivated, creative, and independent individuals with an excellent academic record. Applicants need an upper second class honours degree. A Master’s degree is preferable but not essential. Experience in biochemistry and/or molecular biology are preferred. Experience with experimental research and with microscopy techniques would be advantageous. Applicants must meet Imperial College’s English language requirements.
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