A genomic approach to uncovering the mechanisms driving host restriction and virulence in louping ill virus

A genomic approach to uncovering the mechanisms driving host restriction
and virulence in louping ill virus

Why particular viruses are able to infect and to cause disease in some
host species but not others are fundamental questions that are critical
for controlling viral pathogens. This project aims to uncocver the
molecular and evolutionary mechanisms underlying host restriction and
virulence of louping-ill virus (LIV), one of several closely related
tick-borne flaviviruses in Europe that exhibit high phenotyopic
variability: whereas LIV mainly causes disease in British sheep and
grouse, other LIV strains and related viruses elsewhere in Europe tend
to affect other livestock species or human hosts. Using a combination
of whole genome sequencing, bioinformatics, in vitro experiments
and reverse genetics the project aims to 1) examine the genome-wide
diversity and evolutionary history of LIV across its current range; 2)
compare the ability of different LIV strains and related virus species
for in vitro growth in a range of host species; 3) to experimentally
verify putative genotype-phenotype relationships through a reverse
genetics system. Through the application of powerful new technologies
and analytic approaches, the project will provide novel insights about
the biology of a significant animal pathogen in the UK and advance our
general understanding of the factors governing virus-host interactions.

Supervisors: Dr Roman Biek; Dr Colin J McInnes; and Dr Alain Kohl 

Application deadline: 31 July 2014
Stipend: £13,726 per annum (2013/14 rate) 
Start date: 1 October 2014 

This exciting studentship opportunity will draw on expertise from
academics within the University of Glasgow and The Moredun Research
Institute. The student will spend an equal percentage of their time at
both locations.

BBSRC WestBio DTP studentships will follow a 4-year PhD model. The
financial package will include a 4-year stipend, approved
University of Glasgow fees and a consumables budget per annum. The
successful student will participate in the robust MVLS College
skills training programme throughout their studies. WestBio
students also spend three months off campus undertaking a
Professional Internship for PhD students (PIPS), please follow
URL for further information regarding the programme structure:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/graduateschool/bbsrcwestbiodtp/ (please
note that this project will not involve the Mini-Project rotations as
detailed in the programme structure).

Eligibility 

Qualifications criteria: 
Applicants applying for a BBSRC WestBio DTP studentship must have
obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second class UK
honours degree or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK,
in an appropriate area of science or technology.

Residence criteria: 
The BBSRC DTP grant provides funding for tuition fees and stipend
for UK and *EU nationals that meet all the required eligibility
criteria.  *Note that EU nationals must be able to demonstrate
that they have resided in the UK for three years prior to
commencing the studentship. If not, EU nationals are still able
to apply to the programme, but would be eligible to receive a
'fees only' award.  Full qualifications and residence eligibility
details are available here: BBSRC Guide to Studentship Eligibility
-http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/web/FILES/Guidelines/studentship_eligibility.pdf

How to Apply 

You can apply here:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/
Within the application, at the programme of study search field option,
please select 'MVLS - BBSRC WestBio DTP Glasgow/Moredun'.

Please note that, in step 6 within the online application process, you
are asked to detail supervisor/project title information. Please detail
the following information:

Supervisors: Dr Roman Biek; Dr Colin J McInnes; and Dr Alain Kohl 
Project title: A genomic approach to uncovering the mechanisms driving
host restriction and virulence in louping ill virus

Please ensure that all supporting documents are uploaded at point of
application:

-  Academic ability evidence 
-  CV/Resume 
-  Degree certificate (if you have graduated prior to 1 July 2014) 
-  Language test (if relevant) 
-  Passport 
-        Personal statement (This should provide any other required
         information in support of the application, such as evidence of
         previous academic or professional experience that qualifies you
         for the programme (projects; placements; voluntary work etc).
         You should state the reasons why you selected this programme
         and what benefit you hope to achieve through successful
         completion of the programme. The statement should include
         information about lab techniques you have used and research
         projects in which you have been involved. The statement should
         not be longer than one A4 page)
-        Reference 1 (should be from an academic who has knowledge of
         your academic ability from your most recent study/programme)
-        Reference 2 (should be from an academic who has a knowledge of
         your academic ability)
-        Transcript 

General enquiries regarding the programme and application procedure
should be directed to Alexis Merry: [Alexis.Merry@glasgow.ac.uk].

Roman.Biek@glasgow.ac.uk