Skip to main content

This job has expired

PhD Research Project: Crosstalk between stromal cells and immune cells during obesity-induced infla

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Jan 25, 2017

Job Details

Details

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship within a multidisciplinary and integrative research team.

Obesity is among the main health problems affecting the Western world and the developing countries with a major impact on lifelong health quality. Obesity is characterized by chronic low level of inflammation that predispose the patients to develop type-two diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Recent results indicate that the presence of specific type of immune cells expressing Type 2 cytokines (Th2) contribute to the homeostasis of adipose tissues in lean animals. In contrast, a different group of immune cells that express pro-inflammatory Type 1 cytokines (Th1) is present in fat during obesity and thus contributes to inflammation and the development of the diseases mentioned above. Thus, the importance of research in understanding the interplay between adipose tissues and the immune system and the mechanisms underlying obesity cannot be overstated. The challenge is to uncover what attracts and retains the Th2 cells in adipose tissues, and to understand the interactions between such cells and adipocytes. Dissecting the basic mechanisms of interaction between immune and non-immune cells in adipose tissues will aid the identification of putative therapeutic targets to break the links between obesity, inflammation and chronic inflammatory diseases.

The aim of this studentship is to characterize the interactions between stromal cells and immune cells in adipose tissues during obesity-induced inflammation, with particular attention to Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs), and T helper 2 (Th2) cells and the factors that these cells produce that contribute to the homeostasis of adipose tissues. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining will be used to identify and characterize the function of these cells in animal models and human samples. Our group has previously shown the importance of the interactions between stromal and immune cells in adipose tissues (Benezech et al., Immunity 2012. 37: 721-734 and Nature Immunology 2015 16:819-828).

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to experience research in an emerging field of immunology. The successful applicant will receive excellent training in basic in vivo research and benefit from both academic and industrial supervisors. The project includes a fully funded placement for up to 6 months with MedImmune (Cambridge, UK).

Person Specification
Applicants should have a strong background in Immunology. They should have a commitment to basic in vivo research and hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject. This position is fully funded for university fees and a stipend at standard RCUK rate (for an October 2017 start). The industrial partner, MedImmune provide a stipend top-up of £2,500 per annum.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Jorge Caamano Email j.caamano@bham.ac.uk

To apply, please send the following to Vikki Harrison v.b.harrison@bham.ac.uk
• A detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;
• Names and addresses of two referees;
• A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;
• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts;
• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.

Funding Notes

This studentship is open for UK nationals and permanent residents and EU nationals that have reside in UK for the last three years.

References

Benezech et al., Immunity 2012. 37: 721-734

Benezech et al. Nature Immunology 2015 16:819-828

Company

Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

Company info
Website

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert