Ph.D Studentships: Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Biosciences, Dublin Dental School & Hospital

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Post Title: Ph.D Studentships (2)
Discipline/School/Faculty: Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Biosciences, Dublin Dental School & Hospital
Salary Range: The student stipend is currently ?16,000 per annum in addition to University postgraduate degree fees (European Union citizen: fees approximately ?6,000 per annum).

The Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Biosciences, at the Dublin Dental School & Hospital, Trinity College Dublin is an internationally established research group with research interests covering a wide range of both basic and applied microbiology, including microbial biofilm control in water networks in healthcare facilities, the biology of MRSA and the biology and comparative virulence of Candida dubliniensis and C. albicans. The Research Unit, which is currently headed by Prof. David Coleman, Prof. Derek Sullivan and Dr. Gary Moran, has two Ph.D. studentships available for September 2010. The student stipend is currently ?16,000 per annum in addition to University postgraduate degree fees (European Union citizen: fees approximately ?6,000 per annum).

Ph.D. STUDENTSHIP

A Ph.D. studentship is available to investigate populations of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin gene (pvl)-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylocccus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) recovered from hospital and community sources in Ireland between 2006-2009. Panton-Valentine Leukocidin is a cytolytic toxin and expression of PVL by S. aureus isolates has been associated with skin and soft tissue infections and serious life-threatening infections such as necrotizing pneumonia and fasciitis, blood-stream infection and septic shock. In Ireland, the incidence of pvl-positive MRSA and MSSA appears to be increasing. DNA microarrays will be used to investigate the genotypes of pvl-positive MRSA and MSSA and to characterise the virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes harboured by pvl-positive isolates. The project will also investigate potential large chromosomal replacements in MRSA isolates with multi locus sequence typing (MLST) allelic profiles that suggest they are hybrids of distinct genotypes. The replacement of large sections of the bacterial chromosome has only previously been reported once in MRSA and resulted in a pandemic MRSA lineage. A comparison of DNA microarray profiles and whole genome sequencing will be used to investigate the possibility of large chromosomal replacements in two MRSA isolates. The successful candidate will have a II-1 or higher honours degree in Microbiology or a related subject

Interested individuals should forward their CV (including contact details for referees) to: Professor David Coleman at david.coleman@dental.tcd.ie

Ph.D. STUDENTSHIP

Periodontal diseases are a group of infections that affect the tissues surrounding teeth. Uncontrolled infections can often cause destruction of the supportive connective tissues and bone resorption that can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Up to 15% of the adult population may be affected by severe forms of the disease. The pathogenesis of periodontal infections involves a complex interplay between multiple species of bacteria in subgingival biofilms and the response of the host?s immune system to this biofilm. This project involves the development of in vitro models to study mixed species biofilms of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. The model will be assessed both as a tool for translational research in assessing novel antimicrobial strategies to eradicate biofilm and as a tool to study bacterial interactions within biofilms. The successful candidate will have a II-1 or higher honours degree in Microbiology or a related subject.

Interested individuals should forward their CV (including contact details for two referees) as soon as possible to: Dr. Gary Moran at gpmoran@dental.tcd.ie

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