Blocking entry of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in to human skin

A fully funded 3-year studentship from the British Skin Foundation has become available in the laboratory of Professor Gill Elliott in the Section of Virology, beginning October 2018 . The aim of the project is to develop antiviral compounds that specifically block herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry in to human skin cells.

HSV infects 70% of the human population. It infects the skin or mucosa and establishes life-long latent infection in the nervous system, with reactivated infection commonly causing frequent episodes of facial cold sores or genital herpes. Reactivated HSV can also have serious outcomes, with rare systemic infections resulting in brain damage or death. There is no HSV vaccine, and although antiviral drugs exist they are not universally successful and resistance is growing.

This studentship is aimed at finding new compounds that directly block HSV entry in to human skin cells (keratinocytes). Using a tractable skin cell system, the student will investigate the candidate HSV receptor molecule and its role in HSV entry in to these cells, and develop strategies that inhibit entry. They will be trained in a range of state-of-the art experimental approaches, including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of skin cells, confocal microscopy, and the screening of peptide libraries, together with molecular biology, tissue culture and virological techniques. The goal of this project is to use our molecular understanding of HSV entry in a tissue culture model of skin to develop effective new antiviral treatment.

The successful applicant will join a research group that is currently funded by the Medical Research Council and Worldwide Cancer Research to investigate HSV morphogenesis, cell-to-cell transmission and translational control. Prof Gill Elliott has worked in the field of the cell biology of HSV infection for over 20 years, and her group has made major contributions to current understanding of HSV morphogenesis and trafficking, including developing the first fluorescently tagged viruses for live cell imaging of virus infection.

Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold or expect to obtain at least a high 2.1 undergraduate degree or a Masters degree in a relevant subject. Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology and/or tissue culture is desirable.

How to apply
Prior to submitting their applications, candidates are requested to contact Prof Gill Elliott ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss the application process.

Applicants should then submit their applications through our Biosciences and Medicine programme page https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/biosciences-and-medicine-phd

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 28 March 18. Interviews will be held in the week beginning 16 April. Shortlisted applicants will be expected to give a 10 minute presentation.

The University of Surrey is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and offers many opportunities to help researchers develop as independent researchers.