Trialect

Active

Infection, Immunology, and Vaccinology

University of Southampton

University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom

Main Areas of Interest

The trainee will be involved in current projects that include but are not limited to:

Molecular basis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae pathogenesis and the development of vaccines.
Development and validation of assays for gonococcal vaccines.
Molecular basis of microbial keratitis
Development and testing of novel antimicrobials
Development of vaccines against bacteria causing diseases in poultry and swine

Techniques You Will Learn

Vaccinology – from in silico reverse vaccinology, to the production of recombinant bacterial proteins for vaccines. Techniques will include,

In silico reverse vaccinology
handling of Class II bacterial pathogens, including the growth of fastidious anaerobes, preparation of membrane fractionation
molecular biology techniques, e.g., PCR, cloning, transformation, expression in heterologous hosts, protein purification by affinity chromatography, bacterial gene mutagenesis and complementation, etc.
production of virus-like particles
production of liposomes-encapsulated antigens
ELISA, western blotting, flow cytometry to analyse antibody-pathogen interactions
Serum Bactericidal assays to examine functional antibody activity

2. Host-pathogen interactions in vitro - using techniques such as cell culture, monoclonal antibody and polyclonal antiserum production, macrophage and neutrophil-based assays cell infection assays for cell death (apoptosis, necrosis), host cell responses such as measuring cytokines, cell imaging (ie.g. confocal, SEM, TEM)

3. Development and testing of novel antimicrobials against multi-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Curriculum

6-12 weeks curriculum

Initially, I will arrange a meeting by Skype with the Fellow to discuss the objectives of the training and the expected mechanisms of their fulfillment. Experimental plans with realistic timelines will then be decided and the supervisor and trainee will agree on the project. Fellows will be supported to settle down into their new environment (find appropriate accommodation, locate amenities, etc.) and register at the University, during which an ID card will be issued. A desk space will be allocated. Full induction (safety, laboratory practices, personal welfare, etc.) will be provided by the University’s designated staff.

The Fellow will be fully trained to run each experiment(s) and to do experiments initially under the supervision and then independently. They will be able to engage with me and other members of the laboratory to discuss any aspects of the general running of the laboratory or specific protocols that they require clarifications on. They will also be trained in how to analyze and interpret their data. I arrange weekly meetings with laboratory staff to discuss and reflect on their progress and decide the next set of experiments based on data generated. A Fellow must keep adequate and accurate records of their work using the laboratory book provided by the University.

The Fellow will be given opportunity to partake in research group meetings and other academic activities within the Faculty and the University, including attending relevant bespoke workshops on research career development e.g. on manuscript writing, grant writing, networking, etc. They will also be encouraged to present their work orally at research group meeting(s), depending on their experience, enthusiasm, and progress, at least once before they complete their visit.

My aims are to provide a goal-orientated research plan that will hopefully contribute to the publication. Towards the end of the training I will have a meeting with the Fellow to discuss plans to publish their work alone (if enough data are collected) or as part of a larger body of research, or disseminate their findings in a future conference.

The Fellow will also be guided to identify existing or future opportunities, globally, through the supervisor’s connections with many overseas collaborators/contacts, or within their original work environment. The Fellow will be also be guided to identify how the training has empowered them to be eligible and competitive for a research career, and how they can be assisted to develop applications and integrate their knowledge and skills gained into further research or professional practice roles.

All throughout the training any particular challenges or specific requests of a Fellow will be fully considered to ensure a responsive, relevant and adequate training plan is developed for them.

Guest house/accommodation near the lab (2-5 minutes walking)

Interested fellows are encouraged to contact the supervisor directly regarding the types of accommodation available and the facilities offered by the University.

Accommodation

Try Airbnb

Guest house/accommodation near the lab (2-5 minutes walking)

Interested fellows are encouraged to contact the supervisor directly regarding the types of accommodation available and the facilities offered by the University.

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
12 weeks	$2,750.00
6 weeks	$1,500.00

This program allows Merit Applications. If you successfully are awarded a merit application - Trialect will take care of all bench and service fees, but you will have to take care of travel and accommodation. All applications will be scrutinized under the merit category. Considering 50 million health professionals around the world, the chances of getting selected under the merit category would be very low.

Who Can Apply

physicians and scientists from around the world can apply

Host Details

Host Name: Prof. Myron Christodoulides

Affiliation: University of Southampton

Address: University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom

Website URL: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/medicine/about/staff/mc4.page

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

Onsite/On-Campus Program

Fellowship - Basic/Translational/Clinical Research Program

United Kingdom

Application Review Deadline:

Oct 1st, 2024

Apply Now

Program Logistics and Administrative Fees

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
12 weeks	$2,750.00
6 weeks	$1,500.00

Questions and Answers

Commonly asked questions about this program from the host and other attendees.

Comment comprendre ma catégorie ?

Please go through the Understand Your Category section of the posting.

I applied this program but I could not select a category I wanted , I think selection button not active. Could you please help me?

All applications go through an internal review process and are categorized accordingly.

Is a mandatory for fees?

No. Please go through Understand Your Category section of the posting.

Can you please suggest any grant that is applicable to this particular fellowship position? I am really keen to apply.

You can visit our grant portal at https://trialect.com/program-grants-list

Which visa should i apply for?

You have to contact the UK Embassy in your country or the host institute. In the past, Student visa was considered by some

Thank you very much for the fellowship opportunity. However, I cannot afford paying even the subsidised fees. Do you have or know of any sponsorship programs that can support me attend this training opportunity?

Please check our website for any grants, here's the link; https://trialect.com/program-grants-list

Hi, I am really interested to get training on Infection, Immunology, and Vaccinology at University of Southampton, can I apply for the upcoming training?

Sure.

When the upcoming course of 2022 will be started?

The upcoming programs get activated once in 3 months. Would you please register with us and push the notification button to get notified about the active program.