Understanding the role of NLRP3 in Rheumatoid Arthritis using bioinformatics and biochemical approaches

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects over 400,000 people in the UK. While the majority of patients with RA show a primary response to biologic anti-TNF therapy about 30% do not, and the majority of patients do not achieve a sustained response. It is fundamental to understand the signaling pathways responsible for the pathology of RA to identify new therapeutic approaches. The project will focus on the impact of a specific protein, NLRP3, on innate cell function associated with RA. In particular, understanding pathways responsible for TNF-receptor resistant inflammatory responses.

As part of the Bath Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, the candidate will be joining two research teams that will provide training to enable the student to work across boundaries of in vitro lab based methods (cell culture, protein biochemistry, fluorescent imaging) in the group of Dr Amanda MacKenzie and bioinformatics approaches in the group of Professor Mark Lindsay. The student will benefit from state-of-the-art equipment available in both groups and at the University of Bath. Both research groups are well funded by BBSRC, ARUK and world-leading industrial partners. The project would suit a student interested in inflammation and gene regulation. Talented and motivated students passionate about research are invited to apply for this PhD position.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Amanda MacKenzie, email [Email Address Removed].

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Pharmacy & Pharmacology:
https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUPA-FP01&code2=0012

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/

Anticipated start date: 1 October 2018

We reserve the right to close applications earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is identified; therefore, early application is strongly recommended.