Key facts
- Type of research degree
- PhD
- Application deadline
- Ongoing deadline
- Country eligibility
- International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
- Funding
- Non-funded
- Supervisors
- Dr Morgan Herod
- Additional supervisors
- Professor M Harris
- Schools
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
The Herod lab has a broad interest in virus replication, with a particular interest in studying single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses important for human and animal health. We uses an interdisciplinary approach to understand the molecular mechanism that regulate viral genome replication, virion assembly and disassembly. The lab studies a range of viruses, with a particular interest in GI viral infections such as norovirus and hepatitis E virus. Our overarching aim is to use a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of viral replication to develop new approaches to disease control.<br /> <br /> The School of Molecular and Cellular biology invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2024/25.<br /> <br /> We especially welcome applications that connect to the School's core research areas.
<p>Hepatitis E virus (HEV), is a major causative agent of acute, severe hepatitis. The infection can also be chronic, particular in immunocompromised people, and fatal in pregnant women or those with existing liver diseases. The virus can be zoonotic (i.e. it can spread from animals to humans) and can infect a wide range of animals, most notable pigs where it can be passed onto humans through consumption of contaminated pork products. There are no licenced therapies to treat HEV infection and therefore there is a requirement to develop new therapeutic strategies.</p> <p>Until recently, probing details of HEV replication has been challenging, partly due to the lack of suitable reagents. This project aims to exploit recently developed subgenomic replicons, infectious molecular clones and a unique set of tools to understand the function of the viral non-structural proteins on a molecular level (in combination with biochemical, proteomics, labelling and state-of-the-art imaging approaches). These proteins are unique to the virus and essential for viral genome replication. Therefore, they make ideal targets for the design of new therapeutics. The long-term aim of the work is to use a greater knowledge of the molecular details of viral replication to develop new approaches for disease control and diagnosis.</p>
<p>To apply for this project opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees/doc/how-to-apply">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application. </p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>
Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.
The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.
<p>This project is open to applicants who have the funding to support their own studies or who have a sponsor who will cover these costs. </p> <p> </p>
<p>For information about the application process please contact the Faculty Admissions Team:</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk">fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>