A*Star PhD Scholarship- Research Division of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity
Project Title: Comparative genomics of Streptococcus pneumoniae during the implementation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
Supervisors: Dr S. C. Clarke (UK) and Dr M. Hibberd (Singapore)
University of Southampton/Singapore
Project Description: Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is an important cause of pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis worldwide. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have recently been implemented in numerous countries and therefore the molecular epidemiology of the pneumococcal population requires monitoring. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is now approaching affordability and can replace serotyping and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) as well as provide further relevant information such as the presence or absence of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence markers.
This project is a 4 year joint studentship between the University of Southampton School of Medicine and the Singapore A*Star Genome Institute. The student will undertake analysis of disease-causing and carried pneumococci in Southampton as part of ongoing studies. Relevant isolates from Southampton and Singapore will be chosen for WGS. The student will investigate the pneumococcal genome for differences in serotype locus sequence, SNP’s, the presence of indels, and the overall genetic relatedness of isolates.
In addition to generic training, the student will receive focused training in general clinical microbiology, molecular epidemiology, next generation sequencing and bioinformatics. The student will be jointly supervised by PI’s in Southampton and Singapore and will spend two years in each institution. This will provide an excellent opportunity for a student wishing to be trained in the field and gain international experience.
Requirements: The studentship is available to candidates with the equivalent of a first class or upper second class degree in a relevant discipline. Candidates with a Masters degree are particularly encouraged to apply. A background or strong interest in molecular epidemiology, genomics and bioinformatics is desirable.
Start Date: October 2010
Funding: This studentship is fully funded by the University of Southampton and A*Star Singapore, covering University tuition fees (at EU/UK level). Applicants should be British or European Union citizens. When in the UK, a tax-free bursary of £13,590 per year, rising annually in line with the UK Government (Research Councils) recommended rate will be provided. When in Singapore a stipend of S$2500pcm will be provided plus a one-off airfare and settling-in allowance.
Application Deadline: Friday 30th July 2010
Interview date: Tuesday 17th August 2010
Further information:
http://www.som.soton.ac.uk/about/staff/listing/profile.asp?scc1
http://www.gis.a-star.edu.sg/internet/site/investigators.php?f=cv&user_id=33
To Apply email Dr Stuart Clarke: S.C.Clarke@soton.ac.uk