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Deadline: 18 May 2025
North West, All England
Host defence peptides (HDPs) are key components of the invertebrate innate immune system, where they provide protection against microbial threats. In the context of parasitic helminth infections, worm-derived HDPs may play a critical role in modulating host-parasite-microbiome interactions, particularly in microbe-rich environments such as the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, some helminth-derived HDPs are known to have immunomodulatory properties.
This project will investigate the role of HDPs in Trichuris (whipworm) infection, focusing on T. trichiura, a gastrointestinal parasite that infects 477 million people in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and T. muris, the naturally occurring mouse whipworm, used as a model for human trichuriasis. Trichuriasis is a neglected tropical disease, causing symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal issues to anaemia, growth stunting and rectal prolapse. New preventative strategies (such as vaccines) and treatments (such as drugs) are required to reduce the disease burden of trichuriasis, as current anthelminthic drugs are ineffective.
This project will explore the role of Trichuris-derived HDPs during infection; enhanced understanding of which may inform drug/vaccine discovery pipelines for pathogen control.
The successful applicant will join our vibrant Doctoral College Community and be based in the new £117million Dalton Building in the heart of Manchester.
Project aims and objectives
This project aims to develop an HDP discovery and characterisation pipeline that integrates:
The qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience applicants should have for this project, in addition to our standard entry requirements.
The student will have undertaken a laboratory-based final year research project and have at least an upper-second-class honours in biomedical science or a related degree subject.
The student will have previous experience of relevant techniques such as mammalian cell culture, microbiology and bioinformatic data analyses.
The student should be able to evidence the ability to use initiative, creativity, and judgement to develop appropriate approaches to further research.
The student will be in receipt of a stipend payment; the Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) is £20,780 for 2025/26.
Home and Overseas students can apply. Home fees are covered. Eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding.
Interested applicants should contact Dr Rebecca Shears (r.shears@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.
To apply, you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in biological science.
You should also submit a cover letter addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how your skills map to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest, and your CV.
You will need to upload your documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s admissions portal.
Applications closing date: 18 May 2025
Expected start date: October 2025.
Please quote the reference: SciEng-RS-2025-whipworm-peptides
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. Please ensure that you take into account our Inclusive and Diverse Culture Strategy when preparing an application.
Home and Overseas students can apply.
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Wed 04 Jun 2025