(full-time 3 years)

PUPSMD-0004R1

The Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry are seeking to attract PhD candidates of outstanding ability to join their exciting and rapidly expanding programme of internationally-rated research.

As part of our new developments i.e expanding the Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry and our commitment to research excellence, applications are invited from suitably qualified graduates, 2:1 or above, for a PhD Studentship. International students must also have an IELTS score of 7.0 or above (or equivalent qualification).

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem with over 170 million infected people worldwide. Chronic HCV infection results in the development of fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Injection drug use remains the major risk factor for HCV transmission in developed countries. Over the last 10 years, we have characterised a Plymouth based cohort of long term injection drug users who are at high risk of infection but remain negative for both HCV antibody and HCV RNA. This project seeks to define the role of specific lipid profiles and lipid components in providing protection from HCV infection using a combination of lipid profiling in sera and a cell culture technique. It will complement our current work studying immunological and genetic factors that may provide protection from hepatitis C infection and will aid our overall aim to design preventive effective measures against hepatitis C.

The project will foster high level collaboration between the Hepatology Research Group in Plymouth (south west) and a well-established laboratory in central London. This is an exciting project for a capable and committed scientist keen to pursue a career in basic research. It offers the opportunity to work with strong teams in Plymouth and London as well the development of laboratory skills applicable in many disease areas. Supervisors:  Prof Matthew Cramp; Dr Doha Hegazy

Closing date for applications: 12.00 noon 31^st October 2013  

Start date: January 2014

Interview Date:  14^th November 2013

To Apply for this studentship please download an application form from the apply button below

and return it with a statement outlining your reasons for wanting to pursue this course and details of any other achievements or experience that will support your application. Also send copies of your qualifications, transcripts, two academic references and c.v. to:

pupsmd-researchdegreesadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk   or Bernice Wilmshurst, Senior Administrator (Research Degrees), Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry, The John Bull Building, Tamar Science Park , Plymouth PL6 8BU

Telephone 01752 437471

For an informal discussion about the project, please contact:

Prof Matthew Cramp (matthew.cramp@nhs.net)

Dr Doha Hegazy (doha.hegazy@plymouth.ac.uk )

Funding Notes:  The stipend will be £13,726 (based on full time 13/14 rate). Tuition fees will be paid at the home/EU rate. Candidates from countries outside the European Union will be liable for the difference between ‘home student fees’ and ‘international student fees’. For the 13/14 academic year the difference in fee is £10,150. If you are selected you will be required to provide financial assurances