Metagenomic mapping of Propionibacterium acnes community structure in prostate tumours: identification of ‘oncogenic’ lineages and development of diagnostic tools for risk stratification.

Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the UK, where it kills approximately 11,000 men every year. While different factors are likely to cause prostate cancer, chronic and asymptomatic infection of the prostate gland may be one of the most important initiators. Such infection may help to explain why sub-clinical inflammation is often observed in the prostate of men who are cancer-free, including young men in their twenties and thirties. Over time, this inflammatory reaction is likely to significantly increase the risk of prostate cancer initiation and progression.
There is now compelling evidence that longstanding infection with an anaerobic bacterium, known as Propionibacterium acnes, may be one of the main drivers of chronic, asymptomatic inflammation within the prostate. The discovery is very exciting, and could prove an important game changer in terms of disease prevention and management.
This studentship will provide the opportunity to conduct cutting edge, highly translational, research that will significantly improve our understanding of the nature of this chronic infection. In particular, the student will:

• Use a novel metagenomics approach to investigate the P. acnes community structure within cancerous prostate tissue and identify potentially oncogenic lineages.
• Identify and validate specific biomarkers of prostate infection caused by P. acnes. These biomarkers will form the basis of a diagnostic test for risk stratification and therapy response.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a study that will bring together the emerging field of personalised medicine for infectious disease with oncology. Expertise will be gained in a range of key, desirable and highly transferable techniques/ skills in biomedical science, including Next Generation Sequencing, Protein and Bioinformatics analyses. We are seeking a student with excellent oral and written communication skills and a background in biomedical sciences, molecular biology or related subjects.
Informal enquiries to Dr. A. McDowell ([Email Address Removed]) are welcomed.

References and additional links
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/biomedical/

How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply

Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.

Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)
A number of University funded VCRS will be available for PhD projects at Ulster. These awards are open to applicants who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree. They will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum for three years. Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students. Applicants with up to one year’s current or previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval (if required). Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project at Ulster. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they wish to apply for a University Studentship/VCRS award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for VCRS awards, including eligibility, can be found here: VCRS Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017