Exploration of the global manipulation of transcriptional networks by oncogenic human papillomavirus.

Research interests/description of main research theme:

Applications are invited for a non-clinical PhD studentship at the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Birmingham Centre. Capitalising on a single biomedical campus comprising the University of Birmingham and key clinical partners including University Hospitals Birmingham, the Centre builds on Birmingham’s integrated scientific and clinical research programmes and aligned clinical trials, which contribute to a cancer research portfolio of ~£25 million per year. The Centre establishes Birmingham as one of the UK’s premier sites for cancer research, and provides an opportunity to deliver internationally significant translational cancer science. Our mission is to catalyse translationally aligned fundamental discovery science in oncology, and novel therapeutic developments originating from this research, contributing to CRUK’s strategic target of increasing cancer survival rates from 50% to 75% within the next 10 years. Linked strategically with Birmingham’s Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre and UoB’s CRUK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU), the Centre forms part of a vibrant pathway for genuine bench-to-bedside cancer research.

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the cause of cervical and a large proportion of anogenital and oropharyngeal carcinomas. The project aims to characterise the virus-host interactions that co-ordinate both virus transcription control and transcriptional reprogramming of the host to facilitate productive and persistent viral infection.

We hypothesise that HPV-mediated epigenetic reprogramming of the host contributes to disease progression and carcinogenesis. In-depth characterisation of these changes in physiological primary cell-based models will provide a rigorous analysis of host and virus transcription control and will aid the identification of previously uncharacterised events in HPV establishment, persistence and carcinogenesis.

The student will use a combination of RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq and DNaseI-Seq to determine genome wide changes in host cell gene expression and chromatin structure, alongside biological and phenotypic analysis of gene expression networks that are altered by HPV infection. The findings will be important in understanding how the virus drives cancer and will facilitate the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

The Viral Oncology grouping within the CRUK Birmingham Cancer Centre (http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/centres/human-virology/index.aspx) explores how the major human oncogenic viruses drive and maintain tumorigenesis through expression of viral oncogenes, manipulation of the tumour microenvironment and manipulation of host cell genetics and epigenetics. Identification of dysregulated pathways using novel models of viral oncogenesis is being exploited to discover novel modes of therapeutic intervention.

The deadline for applications is Monday 30th April. Successful applicants will have experience in laboratory research, and will be highly motivated and ambitious. They will have a collegiate mind set, and as well as benefitting from the diverse expertise, resources and opportunities the Centre studentship programme has to offer, they will be willing to work in partnership with Centre colleagues to promote and publicise the research of the Centre. As part of this, the studentship will provide opportunities for science engagement activities in the cancer area.

Join the CRUK Birmingham Centre as a PhD Student and help to make it one of the UK’s most successful sites for translationally oriented cancer research.

Person Specification

Applicants should have a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject, and some experience of working in a laboratory. They should have a strong commitment to research, strong interpersonal skills, and a willingness to take part in public engagement activities. Additionally, non-EU applicants must provide evidence that they can self-fund.

How to apply

Applications should be directed to Claire Fenlon ([Email Address Removed])

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Joanna Parish ([Email Address Removed])
To apply, please send:
• A detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;
• Names and addresses of two referees, ideally who have supervised your laboratory research, but excluding proposed supervisors for the project;
• A personal statement highlighting your research experience/capabilities and your reason for applying for a PhD studentship at the CRUK Birmingham Centre;
• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts;
• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.