PhD Studentship: Gene Regulatory Networks in human scalp homeostasis

Dr Marta E Polak

Other members of the supervisory team: 

Dr Rebecca Ginger (Unilever)

Dr Michael Ardern-Jones (CES)

Prof Mahesan Niranjan (ECS)

Duration of the award: 

4 years commencing before the 1^st October 2017

Full time or part time: 

Full time

Project description: 

This PhD project is a BBSRC CASE studentship, in collaboration between the University of Southampton and Unilever.

The project aims to apply data-driven systems immunology approaches, leveraging external and bespoke omics big data sets to build and refine predictive in silico models which could revolutionise the discovery and evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches for improved scalp and skin immune health.

This is a fully-funded PhD, with stipend in the range advised by the BBSRC (~£1450/year). Additionally the Student will receive a stipend enhancement with funding provided by the Industrial Partner.

Background

Accurate regulation of cutaneous immunity is fundamental for human health and life quality with inflammatory disorders affecting 40% of the population. Keratinocytes constitute the majority of cells in the skin’s epidermis, forming the first line of defence against percutaneous pathogens. Our previous studies have shown that KC signalling critically contributes to maintaining immune homeostasis in the skin, programming the function of immune cells resulting in immune activation or tolerance in the skin. The molecular mechanisms underpinning such programming need to be elucidated.

The advent of ‘omics’ technologies opens unprecedented opportunities to investigate the mechanisms underpinning immune regulation in human skin at the level of transcriptomics programmes and gene regulatory networks coordinating them. Computational modelling of the “omics” data and associated functional outcomes offers the most promising way for identification and validation of the key molecular switches and provides the mathematical framework for modelling the state of homeostasis in human skin. 

The aim of this PhD project is to reconstruct, and to model in vitro and in silico, the gene regulatory networks underpinning the ability of human KC to regulate adaptive immune responses. 

To address this aim, the student will employ systems immunology approaches, comprising 3D culture of human skin models, flow cytometry, gene silencing, population and single-cell RNA-sequencing, and computational modelling including Signalling Petri Nets and Bayesian models. Combined, these approaches will delineate the gene regulatory networks coordinating KC immune function, and will create a model of molecular interactions at the body interface with the environment, underpinning human health. 

Training offered

Training in immunology, microscopy, flow cytometry, systems immunology, including bioinformatics and computational modelling will be provided to fit student’s background and interests. The student will join a team of interdisciplinary researchers who have established all of the experimental techniques required for the project. 

In addition, through this BBSRC CASE studentship, the student will be integrated into the cohort-based training programme offered by the Unilever-BBSRC Collaborative Training Partnership. Through this programme the student will access training in business-relevant skills and complete a 3-month placement at Unilever’s R&D site in Bedfordshire. The student will gain ‘hands on’ experience of research within a business context, interacting and networking with researchers from different academic and industrial settings.

Please contact:Dr Marta E Polak, m.e.polak@soton.ac.uk

The suited candidate is expected to have either excellent qualifications in biological sciences (cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry) or firm mathematical background, with a degree in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, physical sciences, bioinformatics or computer sciences. The project encompasses elements of both “wet lab” experimentation and computational modelling. Complementary skills (e.g. statistical analysis and computer programming for candidates with biological background, laboratory experimentation for candidates with mathematical background) will be a distinct advantage. A genuine excitement for, and interest in mathematical modelling of biological processes to address complex biomedical questions is essential for this project.

The successful candidate is likely to have the following qualifications:

Funding information:

BBSRC CASEPhD studentship

This PhD project is a BBSRC CASE studentship, in collaboration between the University of Southampton and Unilever. The Student will receive a stipend enhancement with funding provided by the Industrial Partner 

http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/skills/investing-doctoral-training/case-studentships/

Informal enquiries relating to the project or candidate suitability should be directed to Dr. Marta E Polak, m.e.polak@soton.ac.u.

Closing date:

2nd February 2018

Interview date:

22nd February 2018