About the Project
Lead Institute / Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Clinical and Experimental Sciences
Main Supervisor: Dr Marta E Polak
Other members of the supervisory team:
Dr Rebecca Ginger (Unilever)
Dr Michael Ardern-Jones (CES)
Prof Mahesan Niranjan (Electronics and Computer Sciences)
Duration of the award: Four years full time
Project description:
This PhD project is a BBSRC CASE studentship, in collaboration between the University of Southampton and Unilever, http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/skills/investing-doctoral-training/case-studentships/.
This is a fully-funded PhD, with stipend in the range advised by the BBSRC (~£14500/year). Additionally, the Student will receive a stipend enhancement with funding provided by the Industrial Partner.
Project overview
The discovery, that the epithelial surfaces, such as skin, can actively programme systemic immune responses has revolutionized our understanding of human immunity. To fully harness this exciting finding, it is essential to dissect the molecular interactions orchestrating the process of immune programming. Our recent research identified the key molecular networks regulating antigen presentation by human skin immune cells, and documented the power of stochastic modelling for prediction of different functional immunity outcomes (Polak et al, 2017, Nature: Scientific Reports 7:668; Livigni et al Nature Protocols, 2018, in press).
The aim of this PhD project is to identify, reconstruct, and model in vitro and in silico, gene regulatory networks of host-pathogen interactions in human skin, developing a novel platform for in silico investigation of immunity.
Specific objectives:
1. Identification of molecular networks in human skin.
2. Assembling of an in silico representation of the key gene regulatory network.
3. Dynamic modelling of the in silico model to investigate immune responses in human intact epidermis.
4. Targeting human keratinocytes to modulate function.
Training offered
The student will learn a variety of experimental techniques: organotypic culture of human skin; RNA sequencing (tissue and single-cell); computational modelling. Detailed supervision and training will be offered in machine learning, systems immunology (including bioinformatics and computational modelling), human immunology, microscopy, flow cytometry. All techniques and skill sets are currently employed in the laboratory within the team of interdisciplinary researchers working in related areas.
In addition, the student will be integrated into the cohort-based training programme offered by the Unilever-BBSRC Collaborative Training Partnership. This includes training in business-relevant skills and a 3-month placement at Unilever’s R&D site in Bedfordshire.
Please contact: Dr Marta E Polak, [Email Address Removed]
Person Specification: see link below https://jobs.soton.ac.uk/Upload/vacancies/files/17256/03%20Doctoral%20Researcher%20Person%20Specification_UoS_FoM_PhD.docx
Required qualifications:
• A 1stor 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline and/or second degree with a related Masters
The suited candidate is expected to have either excellent qualifications in biological and chemical sciences (cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry) and demonstrate ability to learn computational modelling approaches (statistical analysis, coding, machine learning).
Administrative contact and how to apply:
Please complete the University’s online application form, which you can find at
https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=7201&majr=7201&term=201819
You should enter Dr Marta E Polak as your proposed supervisor.
Closing date: 17th June 2018
Interview date: 29th June 2018
Funding Notes
This PhD project is a BBSRC CASE studentship, in collaboration between the University of Southampton and Unilever. The Student will receive a stipend enhancement with funding provided by the Industrial Partner
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/skills/investing-doctoral-training/case-studentships/