The prediction of host-viral interactions in human health and disease
Project details
First supervisor: Dr David Burke
Second supervisor: TBC
Funding available: Self-funded.
Duration of award: 4 years full-time.
Start date: Open until suitable candidate is found.
Application deadline: Open until suitable candidate is found.
Reference number: 2024/DOCS/DB
Project description
The majority of emerging infectious diseases in humans over the past few decades have resulted from the interspecies transmission of RNA viruses. In 2009, the re-emergence of A/H1N1 influenza from swine led to one billion human cases and 300,000 deaths and it is now endemic in the population. Since 2019, the newly described coronavirus SARS-CoV2 infected over 100 million people worldwide and led to more than 2 million deaths, causing global social and economic disruption.The prediction of their zoonotic potential is crucial to improve our response to such pandemic threats.
The PhD will use computational tools and machine learning techniques to predict how these viruses infect cells in the human upper respiratory tract and avoid the host immune response.
Person specification
We will consider applications from prospective students with a good bioinformatic, biomedical, microbiology, biology, dental, medical or similar degree (minimum of a 2:1).
Research training
- The candidate will develop skills in Python or R programming languages.
- The candidate will learn a range of computational structural biology techniques and modern machine learning/AI algorithms.
- The candidate will learn effective research training and will enhance their scientific writing and presentation skills.
- During the PhD, the candidate will also have access to many training courses available for postgraduate students.
To view entry requirements and further general information, see Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/PhD prospectus page.
Next steps
Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss projects with the first supervisor prior to submitting an application.
Please apply online at apply.kcl.ac.uk following these steps:
- Register a new account/login.
- Once logged in, select Create a new application.
- Enter ‘Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time)/(Part-time)' under Choose a programme. Please ensure you select the correct mode of study.
- Select a start date from the list.
- Please note: Applicants must include the project reference number (2024/DOCS/DB) in the 'Research proposal' and 'Funding (point 5)' sections of the application.
Name: Dr David Burke
Email: david.burke@kcl.ac.uk
Related Centre: Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions
Back to Research Projects main page.