Centre for Experimental Medicine
Funded PhD Opportunity
Development of a molecular diagnostic assay for infectious keratitis and corneal ulcer
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Corneal ulcers can cause devastating loss of vision, but current diagnostic methods are slow and ineffective, so doctors are often uncertain what they are treating. The resultant empirical drug treatment often involves agents that can cause further damage to the eye and may not be effective against the infecting microorganism. Improving diagnosis of these infections could significantly improve patient outcomes. The aim of this project is to develop a robust molecular assay capable of providing rapid and accurate diagnosis.
Firstly, high throughput ‘next generation’ sequencing technology will be used to define the molecular signatures of the most common pathogens in samples from infected corneas. The student will then work with the commercial partner (Hibergene Diagnostics Ltd.) to design, optimise and validate isothermal ‘LAMP’ assays to detect the most common causative organisms. Similar assays have been commercialised previously by our partner for other applications.
This four year studentship will provide structured training through the postgraduate programme within the Centre for Experimental Medicine at QUB and experience in a commercial environment. The project offers an opportunity to gain highly desirable molecular biology and bioinformatics skills and the chance to work in a multidisciplinary team, translating fundamental investigations into a clinical assay.
FUNDING
MRC CASE AWARD
Eligibility for fees/maintenance (£14,553 for 2017/18) depends on the applicants being either an ordinary UK or EU resident.
Non UK residents who hold EU residency may also apply but if successful may receive fees only.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.
The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.
For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/
The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/
SUPERVISORS
CLOSING DATE
Closing date for application is: Sunday, June 18, 2017
HOW TO APPLY
Please refer to 'Entry Requirements' for specific admissions criteria.
Apply online via the Queen's on-line application portal . Guidance is available on the University’s Prospective Student pages.
When applying for a project, please choose ‘MEDICINE’ as your subject area/School.
Please ensure you adhere to the closing dates.
If you have any further queries please contact: pgoffice.smdb@qub.ac.uk or +44 (0) 28 9097 2619/2042.