SFI funded PhD Studentship, ITT Dublin

Applications are invited from highly motivated graduates of Microbiology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related biomolecular discipline for a postgraduate studentship funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) available from September 2010.  The successful applicant will join a dynamic team of researchers working at the Centre for Microbial Host Interactions (CMHI) based at the Institute of Technology Tallaght.

Project Title:  Investigating the interaction of host cells with biofilms of the Cystic
Fibrosis (CF) pathogen Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc)
Project:
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) pathogens reduce the lung function of CF patients and decrease their life expectancy.  In particular, the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a group of highly drug resistant bacteria that can cause opportunistic infections and can lead to a rapid decline in a sub-set of these patients due to necrotising pneumonia and septicaemia.  Bcc strains are highly transmissible, leading to patient-to-patient cross-infection.  The ability of Bcc strains to form biofilms confers advantages in terms of evasion of host cell responses.

We propose, based on our previous work, that Bcc biofilms impair host defence and that quorum sensing (QS) may be critical to the mechanisms of Bcc resistance.  This project will investigate and characterise the interactions of Bcc biofilms and host cells and examine the capabililites of quorum sensing inhibitory drugs as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of Bcc and other bacterial biofilm infections.

Qualifications:
Candidates should have or expect to attain a 2.1 or higher honours BSc degree (Level in Microbiology Biochemistry, Immunology or related discipline.

Further Details:
The studentship includes a stipend of €18,000 per annum plus ITT Dublin full-time PhD fees (European Union students) for up to 4 years.

This project is part of a collaborative study with Prof Clifford Taggart, Queen’s University, Belfast and will involve research visits to Prof Taggart’s lab.  For further enquiries, please contact Dr Emma Caraher, Centre for Microbial Host Interactions (CMHI) Institue of Technology Tallaght (ITT Dublin) Tallaght, Dublin 24, Tel: (01) 404-2296, Email: emma.caraher@ittdublin.ie

Applications:
Please submit a completed application form (below), covering letter outlining your suitability and interest in the project and full CV to emma.caraher@ittdublin.ie

Closing Date:
Friday 9 July 2010 (17:00)
Interviews are expected to be held during the week beginning 26 July 2010.