[UK] Two PhD Studentships in the Immunology of Type 1 Diabetes - King’s College London
Department of Immunobiology King’s College London
We have funding from Diabetes UK and from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to support two 3-year PhD Studentships to study the immunology of Type 1 diabetes. In this autoimmune disease, insulin-producing beta cells are killed as a result of an autoimmune process, directed against the beta cells and conducted by CD4 and CD8 T cells. Project 1 focuses on the death of the beta cell, and includes definition of beta cell epitopes and analysis of cytotoxic CD8 T cell function. Project 2 is a component of the recently awarded JDRF Centre for Diabetes, Genes and Autoimmunity Prevention at KCL and focuses on the immunogenetics of the disease, with particular reference to the role of the INS and PTPN22 genes in determining T cell autoreactivity. Both Projects will comprise a variety of cellular and molecular techniques and both will work predominantly with human material, although Project 1 may include the use of humanized mouse model systems. For additional background see (http://www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/medicine/research/diiid/depts/infect/contacts/peakman.html)
The studentships will provide excellent training in many aspects of cellular and molecular immunology, including human T cell culture techniques, multi-parameter cytofluorimetry and molecular biology. The projects will be conducted within the Autoimmunity Group located in the Department of Immunobiology as part of the Programme of Infection and Immunity that incorporates some 70 active scientists and graduate students. The successful applicant will need to have or obtain a First or good Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant biological sciences subject. PhD fees will be paid at the “home†rate. The current stipend level is £15,000 pa, rising by £500 per year. Both projects commence 1st October 2008.
Excellent laboratory facilities are available, and the successful applicant will join an active academic research department with a well organized programme of research training, as well as excellent opportunities for interaction and collaboration, both on-site and abroad.
Funding information
Funding applies to: EU applicants (including UK)
Application deadline : 11 April 2008
Contacts and how to apply
Academic contact:
Applications, in the form of a full CV together with a supporting statement and contact details of at least two academic referees, should be sent via email to mark.peakman@kcl.ac.uk. For informal discussions please contact Professor Mark Peakman on 0207 188 0148. Closing date Friday April 11th 2008.
