PhD Studentship: Investigating Chronic Inflammatory Lung Disease Using Novel In Vivo Drosophila Models & Human Genetic Epidemiology

A fully-funded 3 year PhD position is available at the University of Bristol from Summer/Autumn 2021. We are looking for motivated candidates with experience and/or interest in inflammation, tissue repair, live-imaging and genetics to join our group. The successful applicant will pursue a PhD project led by Dr Helen Weavers with the goal of understanding the molecular changes that drive persistent inflammation and tissue destruction in chronic inflammatory lung conditions, as well as identify novel ways to make our airways more resilient to stress and eliminate respiratory infection. Despite decades of research in this area, chronic lung diseases remain difficult to treat, particularly with rising antimicrobial resistance.

In this project, you will use state-of-the-art in vivo approaches in Drosophila (including live 4D time-lapse imaging, genetics and transcriptomics) for target and drug discovery, as well as genetic epidemiological analysis of human data. The project will bring together a multi-disciplinary team in Bristol (Dr Helen Weavers and Prof David Sheppard) and Cardiff (Prof Eshwar Mahenthiralingam), as well as clinicians (Dr Jamie Duckers) with expertise in this area. The PhD studentship is fully-funded by the NC3Rs (https://www.nc3rs.org.uk/) and you will receive world-class training in 3Rs areas, equipping you with a unique transferable skill set for your future career.

You will be part of a young team in a stimulating and international environment at the University of Bristol, within the Faculty of Life Sciences. Recent publications from the lab include Weavers et al., Cell (2016), Current Biology (2016; 2019) and Thuma et al., Journal of Cell Biology (2018). Informal enquiries are very welcome and can be sent to Dr Helen Weavers (helen.weavers@bristol.ac.uk). For more details about us, please see our lab website (www.tissueresilience.com).

How to apply: To apply and access full details, please visit the University of Bristol’s “How to Apply” webpage (http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/). Applications should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and a grade transcript. In addition, please read the “Entry Requirements” and associated “Admissions statement” for the UoB Biochemistry PhD programme here:

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2021/life-sciences/phd-biochemistry/.

Candidate requirements: The prerequisite for this appointment is a BSc or equivalent degree in cell biology or a related field. Experience with Drosophila genetics is desirable but not essential.

Funding: Fully-funded by NC3Rs PhD studentship awarded to Dr Helen Weavers