University of Sussex - PhD Biochemistry

Life Sciences PhD Biochemistry: Sussex/Surrey Studentship (2023)

What you get

This Sussex/Surrey-funded position covers Home tuition fees and a stipend at standard UKRI rates for 3.5 years. 

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

Funding type

Sussex funded

PhD project

Molecular characterisation of the immunomodulatory effect of the human host defence peptide LL-37

Host defence peptides are an essential part of the immune system, forming one of the first lines of defence against pathogens. There are several different families, including defensins, cathelicidins and histatins. Of the cathelicidin family, humans only express LL-37, which is secreted at epithelial surfaces and by several cell types at sites of infection. It is best known for its antimicrobial actions; however, novel immunomodulatory roles of LL-37 are now emerging within both innate and adaptive immunity. LL-37 has been shown to alter toll-like receptor induced cytokine production and promote Th17 differentiation. Due to the varied actions within the immune system, LL-37 has been demonstrated to have wider roles in autoimmune diseases and cancer, in addition to defending against pathogens.

This project will investigate the mechanism of how LL-37 modifies the inflammatory actions of human monocytes under different disease-modelling conditions. Using cellular and molecular techniques, the effect of LL-37 on cell signalling pathways will be explored.  The successful applicant will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of cellular and molecular techniques (including primary human cell culture, ELISA, immunoblotting, microscopy, flow cytometry, RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR) alongside opportunities to present at scientific conferences and publish their findings.

This is a collaborative project between The University of Sussex and The University of Surrey. The successful candidate will be based at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, which is part of The University of Sussex, but will work with research groups across both sites.

The principal supervisors are Professor Sandra Sacre (University of Sussex),  Dr Ben Towler (University of Sussex), and Professor Rachel Simmonds (University of Surrey).

 

Eligibility

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in Immunology or Cell Biology. Eligible applicants will hold a 2:1 BSc in a relevant subject. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any section.

Only UK Higher Education “Home Fee” status applicants and EU residents satisfying the three-year residency requirement are eligible for this funding.

Deadline

15 January 2023 23:45

How to apply

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant principal supervisor(s) to discuss the project(s) before submitting their application.

Please submit a formal application using our online at system www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply attaching a CV, degree transcripts and certificates, statement of interest and two academic references.

On the application system, select Programme of Study – PhD Biochemistry. Please ensure you state the project title under funding and include the proposed supervisor’s name. Please select the September 2023 start date when applying.

You may opt to apply for a single project or for 2 of these Pathogens and Host Defences Doctoral Training Partnership studentship projects

Project ref number FHMS-DTP-08 Sussex

Funding partners

The University of Sussex and The University of Surrey.

Contact us

For enquiries about the application process, contact Emma Chorley: lifesci-rec@sussex.ac.uk

For enquiries about the project, contact Prof Sandra Sacre: s.sacre@bsms.ac.uk