British Heart Foundation Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Systems Biology
MATHEMATICAL & STATISTICAL MODELLING OF CYTOKINE RECEPTOR CROSS-
REGULATION BY CYCLIC AMP
Supervisors:
Dr. Tim Palmer ([log in to unmask], Integrative and Systems Biology)
Prof. Mark Girolami ([log in to unmask], www.dcs.gla.ac.uk/inference)
Regulation of the immune/inflammatory responses by interleukin-6
(IL-6)-family cytokines is dictated by the interplay of multiple
cytokine-activated signalling cascades and inhibitory regulators designed to
prevent excessive receptor activation that can result in disease. The
situation is further complicated by the observation that cytokine-activated
signalling cascades are negatively controlled by distinct signalling modules
such as those initiated by the prototypical intracellular messenger cyclic
AMP. Despite its significance, the extensive level of cross-talk observed
has not been integrated into coherent models of IL-6 receptor signalling and
its regulation.
Objectives
By combining molecular/cell biology with mathematical modelling &
statistical inferential approaches, this inter-disciplinary studentship will
A) statistically define minimal network structures that accurately describe
cytokine signalling pathway kinetics, B) derive a set of plausible
mathematical models that can identify the critical parameters controlling
inhibitory cross-regulation of gp130 by cyclic AMP, and C) identify new
approaches for limiting excessive cytokine signalling associated with
inflammatory disorders.
The project provides an exciting opportunity for high-quality doctoral
training in mathematical modelling & statistical inferential approaches and
their application to increase our understanding of the architecture and
dynamics of molecular cell signalling pathways. In addition to contemporary
molecular and cellular biology techniques (mammalian cell culture,
RNAi-mediated knockdown, protein analysis), the successful candidate will be
trained in mathematical modelling of pathway dynamics as well as Bayesian
statistical methods to formally characterize uncertainty in these models.
Candidates should be European Economic Area nationals, have an excellent
first degree in a relevant mathematical discipline (Mathematics, Computing
Science, Statistics, Engineering, Physics) and be highly motivated in their
wish to apply this expertise to biological systems. Candidates with an
excellent first degree in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology or a
related discipline, coupled with additional experience in applying
mathematical/statistical methods to biological systems, will also be
considered.
The studentship will commence as soon as possible after a suitable candidate
is identified. The studentship will carry a stipend of £16,853 in year 1
and increasing to £18,580 in year 3. The studentship also covers the
student¹s university fees. The studentship is renewable, subject to
satisfactory annual progress, for up to a total of three years.
Applications must consist of a current CV, contact details of at least two
academic referees, evidence of degree performance, and a completed
application form from
http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/
Preliminary email enquiries to Tim Palmer or Mark Girolami are welcomed.
Candidates are encouraged to complete the online application, but also to
send their CV and associated
documents direct to the Graduate School:
Graduate School of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Bower Building,
University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ
Tel: ++44 (0)141-330-5800
Fax: ++44 (0)141-330-6093
E-mail: [log in to unmask] (please type ³BHF Palmer² in the subject box of
E-mails)
-------------------------------
Professor M.A. Girolami F.I.E.T
EPSRC Advanced Research Fellow
Department of Computing Science
Sir Alwyn Williams Building, Room 302
University of Glasgow
Glasgow, G12 8QQ
Scotland UK
Tel : +44 (0)141 330 1623
Fax: +44 (0)141 330 2673
email : [log in to unmask]
web: http://www.dcs.gla.ac.uk/~girolami
web: http://www.dcs.gla.ac.uk/inference
|