This PhD opportunity is being offered as part of the LSTM and Lancaster University Doctoral Training Partnership. Find out more about the studentships and how to apply.
| Abstract | This is an exciting opportunity to work in vaccine development at LSTM. You will be integrated into a dynamic team with a diverse research portfolio, supported by strategic collaborations with world-leading academic (Oxford) and industrial institutions. This project will work towards improving our understanding of how vaccination can confer non-specific beneficial effects. We will work to understand how favourable immune responses may be generated with both specific and non-specific beneficial impact – potentially leading to the development of novel adjuvant formulations and the optimisation of vaccine scheduling. We will study a variety of bacterial and viral pathogens of clinical significance, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella enterica, SARS, MERS, and RSV. Projects will utilise ex vivo human models of infection, advanced analytical techniques (flow cytometry and confocal microscopy), and systems biology to assess the immunomodulatory impact of controlled human infection and vaccination. Projects will be tailored to the candidate and provide opportunity for industry training and overseas placement. |
| Where does this project lie in the translational pathway? | T1 - Basic Research,T2 - Human /Clinical Research |
| Expected Outputs | Publications as well as proof-of-concept data to support grant applications for further research towards the development of novel adjuvant formulations as well as for optimisation of vaccine scheduling. |
| Training Opportunities |
Training in the generation of advanced ex vivo organoid infection models using primary human cells. Training in the following quantitative methods: |
| Skills Required | Interest in immunology and vaccination with ambition to change clinical practice to improve quality of life globally. |
|
Key Publications associated with this project |
https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/10345/ |
| https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/6006/ | |
| https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/19827/ | |
| https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/17492/ |