Investigation of host-virus interactions

Summary

The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2024/245 in the area of molecular virology.

This opportunity is open to candidates who have the means to self fund their studies or who have a sponsor who will cover this cost. We especially welcome applications that connect to the School's core research areas, which are understanding life in molecular and cellular detail, with particular relevance to infectious disease.

Bunyaviruses hold significant importance due to their impact on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. These viruses are responsible for various diseases in humans, including Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, both of which can be severe and even fatal. Beyond their effects on human health, bunyaviruses also affect livestock, causing diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, which can devastate agricultural economies. Understanding bunyavirus biology, transmission, and evolution is therefore crucial for developing effective diagnostic tools, vaccines, and therapeutic interventions.

This research project will use CRISPR-Cas9 genome–wide screening approaches to identify host factors involved in the life cycle of recently identified novel bunyaviruses, followed by cutting edge molecular and cellular techniques to interrogate their life cycle. The Stacey and Barr groups are based in newly refurbished lab space, are well-funded and situated in close proximity to core research infrastructure (bioimaging, flow cytometry, proteomics suites) and a large community of other virologists. Our people centric approach ensures that all graduate students in the group are appropriately mentored, have the opportunity to grow as scientists, to present their data to colleagues, to publish appropriate research and to be guided to the next stage of their career. We are collaborative and work with scientists, clinicians and industrialists in Leeds and beyond.

https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/molecular-and-cellular-biology/staff/138/dr-martin-stacey

https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/molecular-and-cellular-biology/staff/22/dr-john-n-barr

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.