EASTBIO - Using Proteomics and Informatics Approaches to Uncover Novel Host Antimicrobial Responses in Macrophages

Deadline: Monday 15^th December, 2025. Competition funded PhD Project.

Supervisors: Prof David Dockrell (The University of Edinburgh), Dr Brian McHugh (The University of Edinburgh), Dr Clark Russell (The University of Edinburgh)

About the Project

Macrophages are key innate immune cells with wide-ranging antimicrobial functions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease caused by inflammation of the small airways leading to breathlessness and frequent bacterial chest infections - COPD alveolar macrophages (AM) display faulty responses to bacteria persisting in the airway (e.g. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae), with ineffective bacterial clearance contributing to COPD worsening. Based on our data we hypothesise that COPD alters AM mitochondrial responses to bacteria and that these impact metabolism, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) production, and mitochondrial fission; all required for pathogen clearance – defining novel bactericidal roles for these host mechanisms will advance understanding of macrophage microbicidal activity and uncover new therapeutic targets to help circumvent antimicrobial resistance.  

Aim 1: Metabolic and proteomic landscape of macrophage antimicrobial responses

Aim 2: Data integration to prioritise targets for validation

Aim 3: Validation in vitro and in vivo

Further details available via Centre website

UKRI-funded studentships are available globally, covering UK tuition fees, a living stipend, and an annual £5,000 research grant for the first three PhD years. EASTBIO DTP limits international students to 30%. Eligibility criteria are as per UKRI guidance.

Apply now:

• Visit the EASTBIO Webpage to download necessary documents.
• Submit your completed application, EDI survey, and academic transcripts to CIR.Postgraduate@ed.ac.uk by the deadline.
• Ensure references are sent to the same email using the provided form.

EASTBIO will hold online Q&A sessions in November/December 2025. Check the EASTBIO How to Apply webpage for details. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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