Two PhD Studentship Opportunities in Virology

Characterisation of respiratory virus infection of airway cells (ViroSPEC)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for two fully funded (fees and stipend), 4-year full-time PhD positions at the Centre for Experimental Host Pathogen Research (CEPHR) University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.

These positions are part of the Virospec project, funded by a Science Foundation Ireland Frontiers for Partnership award. This partnership is between Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and UCD CEPHR. The ViroSPEC project seeks to develop label free spectroscopic techniques for Virology, using a combination of novel spectroscopic based techniques, combined with established virological techniques to improve our understanding of respiratory viral infection.  Relying on the unique expertise in Virology of UCD CEPHR/National Virus Reference laboratory (NVRL), these PhD projects seek to study the interactions between clinically important respiratory viruses and cells of the human airway.

The successful candidates are expected to conduct research in one of the following projects:

  1. Investigate the mechanisms involved in the attachment and entry of respiratory viruses into human airway cells. The PhD candidate will be involved in the generation of lentiviruses pseudotyped with envelope proteins derived from SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal coronaviruses. The relative binding and entry capacities of pseudoviruses to human airway will be determined using a variety of established methods including FACS, luminescence, immunofluorescence. The contribution of accessory molecules/pathways in binding and entry of these viruses will be assessed using various established inhibitors and drugs using various cellular models for respiratory virus infection.
  2. Investigation of the role of exosomes in respiratory virus infections. This PhD project will involve the purification and characterisation of exosomes produced by airway cells infected with clinically relevant respiratory viruses. The composition of exosomes will be investigated by proteomic analysis and their impact on infection will be determined using different cellular models. 

Even though the successful candidate will be primarily based in CEPHR, they may also be required to perform some of their work in the UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory and TU Dublin city campus.

Qualifications / Expertise:

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a 1st or 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences/Microbiology or a related discipline. The ideal candidate should have experience in as many as possible of the following techniques: mammalian cell culture; molecular biology; protein analysis; exosome isolation and characterisation. The candidate should have excellent communication and organisational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about Virology and have strong written, oral and interpersonal skills. The candidate should be able to work independently and as a part of team.

Funding

The PhD studentship covers tuition fees and a stipend of €18,500 per year. An annual allowance is provided for conference attendance.

Proposed Start Date

September 1st 2023

How to apply

Please send a cover letter (1 page max), CV, and academic transcript to Dr Noreen Sheehy (noreen.sheehy@ucd.ie). Closing date for receipt of applications is 12:00 Friday 24th March 2023.