Investigating the Host-Pathogen Interface of Mycobacterium Abscessus Infection

Overview:

Outstanding candidates with a background in biomedical sciences, pharmacology, or pharmacy or similar are invited to apply for a fully funded PhD scholarship under the supervision of Dr Guy Lyons and Prof Phil Hansbro at the Centre For Inflammation, Centenary institute.

Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapid-growing mycobacteria commonly associated with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary disease, particularly in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis (CF). M. abscessus is intrinsically resistant to many first-line antimycobacterial drugs, therefore making it increasingly difficult to treat and often associated with poor clinical outcomes and cure rates of approximately 40%. This project will dissect the host-pathogen interface of M. abscessus infection using a combination of cellular and animal models to identify novel pathogenic traits and host pathways required for infection.

Who is eligible?

• Applicants must be either permanent Australian residents or New Zealand citizens.
• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a biomedical or biological science
• Have a strong academic record and prior laboratory experience
• Completion of Honours degree with First Class, or Second Class Division 1; or MSc Research; or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months.

Selection process:

• be highly motivated and capable of independent work
• have a strong team focus
• possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse range of people and within established collaborative teams
• have knowledge of a research/laboratory environment and requirements
• be computer literate in standard research software
• be able to maintain thorough laboratory records
• experience with standard lab techniques such as ELISA, RNA extraction, reverse transcription, qPCR, western blotting, cell culture, aseptic technique, histological analysis, Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and primer design
• Be able to conduct in vivo mouse models.