PhD Project: Redefining the balance: Uncovering why antibodies are perturbed in autoimmune disease compared to normal immunity
Job No:
G100
Location:
Darlinghurst, Sydney
Supervisors: Dr Deborah Burnett and Professor Christopher Goodnow
Project title: Redefining the balance: Uncovering why antibodies are perturbed in autoimmune disease compared to normal immunity.
The opportunity:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a devastating autoimmune disease characterised by a ‘rogue’ immune response against peripheral nerves. Treatment for GBS has remained unchanged for decades and leaves patients with permanent impairments.
Most GBS cases are preceded by infectious causes (ranging from Campylobacter jejuni to COVID19). However, it remains entirely unknown what factors cause the immune response in these people to fail to discriminate between the invading threat and healthy tissues.
This project aims to identify how this autoimmune response develops, by studying the rogue cells that cause the disease in both patients with GBS compared to the normal response using sophisticated mouse models. This project aims to determine the basis of the autoimmune development and set the stage to for the development targeted therapies.
Snapshot of benefits:
- Well-funded and supported project placed in a stimulating, diverse and internationally collaborative research environment
- Ample opportunities for on-going training and skill development in sophisticated immunological techniques including:
- ELISAS
- Multi-parameter Flow cytometry of mouse and human mononuclear cells and cell culture experiments
- Preparation of human tissue samples including blood and CSF
- Evaluation of immune populations in sophisticated mouse models
- Molecular biology assays including bacterial culture and protein purification
- Next generation massively multi-omic single cell characterisation of immune tissues
- B and T cell repertoire sequencing
- Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times etc
- Opportunities to present at national and international conferences
About you:
- This project would be well suited to a domestic motivated, enthusiast candidate with an interest in molecular biology and immunology
- The following key skills and attributes are important:
- BSc (hons) or MSc or equivalent degree
- Ability to analyse and solve problems in a methodical and logical manner.
- An interest to gain relevant research experience
- Excellent communication and time management skills
ABOUT GARVAN
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is a Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, affiliated with the University of NSW, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.
We host >80 PhD students.
Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health.
We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.
Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
How to Apply
See: More about the Lab
For an informal discussion about the project contact Dr Deborah Burnett: d.burnett@garvan.org.au
Or apply using by completing the text boxes: Please upload CV / Academic transcripts.
*We are reviewing applications as they are received, so we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.