1 PhD Studentship on Identifying and characterising antiviral ISGs in UK | University of Glasgow

We are searching for a motivated and ambitious graduate to join the University of Glasgow MRC Centre for Virus Research (CVR). A fully funded 3 year PhD studentship is available within the laboratory of Dr Sam J Wilson focused on identifying and characterising antiviral factors targeting HIV-1 and other viruses (commencing October 2014 or earlier). The CVR is the UK's largest grouping of human and veterinary virologists. This studentship therefore represents an exciting opportunity to train as a molecular virologist in a multidisciplinary environment centred on viruses and the viral diseases of humans and animals.

In addition, training at the CVR has considerable benefits:

• An opportunity to undertake research on antiviral factors/restriction factors (a vibrant area of molecular virology).
• The CVR is poised to relocate to a state-of-the art purpose built facility, equipped to tackle urgent and important research questions.
• As a dedicated centre for virus research with great breadth and depth of expertise, the CVR is an excellent environment to train as a molecular virologist.
• Full access to all the benefits of being a postgraduate student at the University of Glasgow.
• The studentship is fully funded for UK/EU students with a tax-free stipend starting at £13,726 per year.

Project - Identifying and characterising antiviral ISGs

The antiviral state induced by interferons attenuates the replication of most, if not all, mammalian viruses. Upon sensing of pathogens, interferon signaling results in the upregulation of hundreds of different genes. These interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) are able to mediate further signaling, modulate the cellular environment, or interfere with viruses directly, in order to impede viral replication. Despite intensive investigation, the exact contribution of individual ISGs to the antiviral state is often unknown. However, in some remarkable cases individual ISGs have been described that effectively render cells resistant to certain viruses. The extraordinary ability of these factors to restrict virus replication can protect individuals, populations and entire species from specific pathogens. This studentship will be targeted at identifying and characterising antiviral ISGs. Particular attention will be paid to HIV-1 and related primate lentiviruses (although multiple viral systems are under investigation in our lab).

Applicants must have or expect to have a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject and prior research experience or Masters degree training is desirable.

Interested applicants should send their CV (with the contact details of two academic referees including e-mail addresses) together with a covering letter explaining why they wish to undertake a PhD to Mrs Fiona Graham.

Application deadline: 31 January 2014