Mapping the molecular specificity of virus-host interactions

A three and a half year PhD project is available in the CVR’s Viral Genomics & Bioinformatics group, http://www.bioinformatics.cvr.ac.uk from September 2017. The project will be computer-based and will train the student in systems virology, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics/computational biology, network biology and modelling. Please direct enquiries to [Email Address Removed] who will be moving to CVR in 2017.

Viruses exploit the molecular system of an infected host in order to replicate. This requires an intricate set of molecular interactions between the virus and the host system, placing a high degree of host specificity on the virus-host relationship. The key to better understanding this relationship will be to study the coevolutionary changes between viruses and their host, in particular the precise nature of the interactions involved, i.e., a viruses’ ability to mimic host molecular interactions and events, in the context of the host’s response to infection. Depending on the student’s interests there will be some flexibility in terms of the focus of the project, e.g., a study of HIV/retroviruses versus bacteriophage infections. The aim will be to construct the virus-host interaction network at the species level and for case studies model the virus-host molecular interaction network. These molecular interactions can be represented as a dynamic network by considering both temporal and spatial aspects of infection of a cell. This will be represented as a directed network, and properties of the host proteins investigated, for example, their connectivity, control-status, and functional relationships. Questions to be addressed include: How many host species on average does a virus target? How do viruses so effectively use and control the host system? What changes contribute to host-switching? What constraints do the maintenance of host interactions place on viral evolution? Given the inherently hierarchical and multi-scale nature of function, how should infection be modelled? The project can be tailored to candidates with a background in virology, biology, bioinformatics, computer science or mathematics.

To apply, please follow the steps detailed in ‘How to apply for a research degree’.
When applying, please search for "Mapping the molecular specificity of virus-host interactions" in the programme description box.

Interview Process
Following selection for interview, you will be invited to come to Glasgow to visit the CVR in February 2017.

The interviews will be held on Friday February 10th 2017 and all interviewees are registered for free and invited to attend the Glasgow Virology Workshop on Saturday February 11th. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed and accommodation made available on the 9th and/or the 10th. Please be available on these dates.

Whilst at the CVR, time will be spent visiting the laboratories, meeting PhD Programme group leaders and current CVR students (and being interviewed!). If you receive an offer, we will ask you to decide whether to join the CVR within a reasonable timeframe, according to your circumstances. By accepting our offer, you will be making a binding commitment to the CVR MRC PhD Programme, and we will ask you to withdraw your applications for other PhD programmes.

We will consider any UK graduate (meeting the residency requirements) with a minimum 2:1 BSc, or equivalent, degree in a relevant discipline. A Master’s degree and previous experience of computer-based research is advantageous. Candidates with a computer science or mathematics background are encouraged to apply

Unfortunately, we cannot consider citizens from outside the EU for this programme.

We are currently inviting applications for the programme beginning in October 2017.

The deadline for applications is 23rd January 2017.