PhD Programme: Evaluation of the immune phenotype to improve our ability to predict pregnancy outco

Applications are invited for a 3-year fully-funded PhD Studentship starting in autumn 2017.

The University of Birmingham is the leading partner of Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, the largest miscarriage research centre in Europe. In collaboration with clinicians at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and around the country, we aim to save babies’ lives by turning scientific discoveries into important tests and treatments. The successful applicant for this role will work with Dr David Lissauer and Professor Arri Coomarasamy to establish the role of immune biomarkers as prognostic factors in women with recurrent miscarriage.

A number of important adaptations of the maternal immune system occur during pregnancy, and there is some evidence to suggest dysregulated immunological mechanisms could contribute to recurrent miscarriage. But these small, single-centre studies with inconsistent assay techniques are not sufficiently robust to support national guidelines for immunological testing. A comprehensive, rigorous investigation of immunological factors in pregnancy loss will be important to ensure accurate advice and safe treatment for couples seeking help.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. To undertake a prospective cohort study to establish the role of immune biomarkers as prognostic factors in women with recurrent miscarriage.
2. To development a prognostic model, incorporating these factors, to predict pregnancy outcome in women with recurrent miscarriage.
3. To establish novel, clinically applicable biomarkers suitable for future studies using time of flight mass spectroscopy (CyTOF).

Applicants will be based in world-leading immunological laboratories at the University of Birmingham.

Person Specification
Applicants should have a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject, and some experience of working in a laboratory. An excellent understanding of cell biology and ideally immunology will be important. Applicants should also have a strong commitment to research, strong interpersonal skills, and a willingness to take part in public engagement activities.

How to apply
Informal enquiries should be directed to David Lissauer: (d.m.lissauer@bham.ac.uk)
Applications should be directed to Viktorija Ziabliceva (v.ziabliceva@bham.ac.uk). To apply, please send:
• 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; and
• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.

Funding Notes

British and EU nationality applicants are eligible for both the cost of tuition fees and a yearly stipend (at RCUK rate) over the course of the PhD programme.