Dissecting the disarming of macrophages by the respiratory pathogen Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen, which is able to thrive in human alveolar macrophages, leading to a severe, possibly fatal pneumonia, called Legionnaires’ disease.

The virulence of Legionella depends on its Dot/Icm type IV secretion system, which delivers effector proteins into the host cell to manipulate cellular signalling, enabling evasion of host defences and phago-lysosomal degradation. Instead, Legionella establishes a unique, replicative niche, the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV). Each Legionella strain delivers an unprecedented number of more than 300 effectors into the host. Few effectors have been functionally characterised so far, but their characterisation has revealed completely new enzymatic activities and infection mechanisms.

We discovered a new, conserved family of Legionella effectors. Distantly related members are present in other pathogens and implicated in the disruption of host defence signalling. Preliminary data suggests similar roles for the new effectors. The aim of this exciting project is to uncover the role of this effector family in Legionella pathogenesis.

The successful candidate will work at the interface of microbiology, cell biology and immunology, in the vibrant, brand-new CEM, acquire an extensive skill set in state-of-the art methods, including imaging and proteomics, and has opportunity to present at national and international conferences

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/