Location: | Bristol |
---|---|
Salary: | £37,099 to £46,974 per annum (depending on experience), Grade I or J / Pathway 2 |
Hours: | Full Time |
Contract Type: | Permanent |
Placed On: | 16th July 2024 |
---|---|
Closes: | 12th August 2024 |
Job Ref: | ACAD107662 |
The role
We have discovered that proteins of our innate immune system called C-reactive protein (CRP) can form distinct oligomeric patterns, and the shape of these patterns dictates how our immune system responds to threats. This can be either a robust inflammatory response (good for clearing infections), or a more gently silent clearance (good for removing cellular debris and limiting auto-immunity). When these responses are dysregulated, we are less able to fight infections and more likely to develop autoimmune diseases.
We have recently solved structures revealing that CRP can form different shapes, and it is these shapes that dictate the immunological function. This is therefore a reversible switch, whereby two structures have different immunological outcomes: inflammation by 2D arrays activating complement, vs silent clearance by decamers causing agglutination. Control of this switch will give us control of the immune system, which can be used to treat a variety of diseases, including autoimmune or infectious diseases.
You will be part of a team using synthetic and structural biology to understand and control the human immune system. Here, the PDRA will utilise cryoEM, AI-based structure predictions, rational protein engineering and other techniques to demonstrate the potential of structure-guided drug design to control CRP activity. This project will lead to a greater understanding of pentraxin biology and immune system activation, and will produce drug candidates to control CRP activation. Furthermore, this project will exemplify the possibility of targeting other members of the pentraxin family, which are associated with numerous infections and neurodegenerative diseases.
What will you be doing?
You should apply if
Additional information
For informal queries about the role please contact: Thomas Sharp, t.sharp@bristol.ac.uk
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Monday 12th August 2024
Interviews are anticipated to be held on either Wednesday 28th of August or Friday 30th of August 2024.
Our strategy and mission
We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.
The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
Type / Role:
Subject Area(s):
Location(s):