The microbiology and cell biology research group endeavours to understand the roles of microbes and host responses in health and infectious or malignant disease.
<p>Research within this research area includes: </p> <ul> <li> <p>Characterising and controlling oral biofilms (including metagenomic and transcriptomic analysis) to understand function as well as composition, mathematical modelling to predict biofilm behaviour, antimicrobial treatment of biofilms (including photodynamic treatment), manipulation of biofilm behaviour, development of antimicrobial materials.</p> </li> <li> <p>Understanding the role of the oral mibciome in health (and disease), particularly the roles of resident bacteria in regulating host cell responses, prebiotics and probiotics, and the environmental regulation of microbial pathogenicity.</p> </li> <li> <p>Cellular signalling (in particular the insulin-like growth factor, IGF, axis) and host defences in infectious and malignant disease; these include antimicrobial host defence peptides (eg defensins, LL-37), NK cells and neutrophils.</p> </li> <li> <p>Understanding the links between periodontal diseases and systemic disease, particularly arthritis and diabetes.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>Collaborations and partnerships</h2> <p>Members of the microbiology and cell biology research group collaborate with <a href="http://lmbru.leeds.ac.uk/">The Leeds NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit</a> and <a href="https://biofilms.ac.uk/">National Biofilms Innovation Centre</a>.</p>
<p>To submit an application in this research area please complete an <a href="https://studentservices.leeds.ac.uk/pls/banprod/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon">online application form</a> and submit this alongside a research proposal, a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degree certificates. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the Faculty’s minimum <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-graduate-school/doc/entry-requirements-1">English language requirements</a>.</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>
<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e: <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked project opportunities</h2>