Epigenetics of chlamydial infection: gaining insights into fundamental chlamydial biology and disease pathogenesis by epigenetic dysregulation of the human genome

The estimated number of new chlamydial infections per year is approximately 50 million, more than twice the population of Australia with sexually transmitted C. trachomatis being the most frequently reported bacterial infection in the world. Chlamydial infections can cause acute and chronic diseases such as cervicitis, urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility and trachoma.

Chlamydial infections and their associated diseases are often asymptomatic and severe disease outcomes can take years to manifest. This project will apply bioinformatic analysis of high-throughput sequencing data to gain insights into fundamental chlamydial biology and disease pathogenesis by epigenetic dysregulation of the human genome. Epigenetically dysregulated genes may facilitate chlamydial pathogenesis and disease progression, either by direct chlamydial interference or by innate responses, and may be candidate biomarkers of infection or disease. The Myers group at UTS applies genome-scale methods and bioinformatics to decipher how chlamydial infection causes disease, with the ultimate aim of improving diagnosis, detection and treatment.

Selection Criteria Expertise in programming (R, Python or similar), data visualisation and/or computational biology preferred

Eligibility

* Domestic students or international students with a tuition fee waive

* Have completed a Bachelor of Science degree with first class honours or Master of Science by research, or be regarded by the university as having an equivalent level of attainment

* Applicants must be able to commence PhD studies by July, 2017

Email your CV and a ½ page expression of interest to [Email Address Removed]

This role is within the ithree institute in the Faculty of Science, one of the largest faculties at UTS, which is Australia’s top ranked young university, with a particular focus on research translation. The ithree institute brings together a team of scientists with diverse skill sets who collectively address key challenges in the understanding and control of infectious diseases in humans and animals.