Trialect

Active

Molecular Virology and Oncolytics

Taipei Medical University, Taiwan

Main Areas of Interest

The main research areas of our group are:

Modeling Emerging Viruses: building viral platforms to model and study the different stages of the viral life cycle of emerging viruses.
Virus-Host Interactions: deciphering host factors engaged by viruses in driving the viral pathogenesis.
Antivirals Development: identifying drug candidates for therapeutic control of viral infections.
Oncolytic Viro-Immunotherapy: engineering and reprogramming viral vectors for highly targeted cancer treatments

Techniques You Will Learn

Experimental techniques you can learn during your program here:

DNA/RNA extraction
Plasmid vector cloning and preparation
Cell culture
Primary cell culture
Virus culture
Virus purification and titration
Viral pseudoparticles production
Viral vector design and engineering
Gene silencing and gene overexpression
Cell viability/toxicity assays
Luciferase reporter assays
Western blotting
Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
Immunofluorescence staining
Flow cytometry
Fluorescence and confocal microscopy
Immunohistochemistry
Electron microscopy (TEM/SEM)
Oncological mouse models: immunodeficient and immunocompetent mouse models, mice handling,tumor monitoring, viral vector/drug administration, ex vivo immune analysis.

Curriculum

6-12 weeks curriculum

Fellows will be supported to settle down into their new environment (find appropriate accommodation,locate amenities, etc.) and register at the University. A desk space will be allocated. Full induction (safety, laboratory practices, personal welfare, etc.) will be provided by the University’s designated staff and by members of my laboratory. I will arrange an initial meeting with the fellow to discuss the objectives of the training and the expected mechanisms of their fulfilment. Experimental plans with realistic timelines will also be decided.

The fellow will be fully trained to run each experiment. They will then be allowed to attempt the experiment themselves, with supervision by their trainer. They will be able to engage with me
(supervisor) 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 will arrange a weekly or bi-weekly meeting with the fellow to discussand 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.

The fellow will be given opportunity to partake in research group meetings and other academic activities within the University, including attending relevant workshops on research career development (e.g., on manuscript writing, grant writing, networking, etc.) as well as sit in in courses and seminars. They will also be encouraged to present their work orally at a research group meeting at least once before they complete their visit.

Towards the end of the training I will have a meeting with the fellow to discuss plans to publish their work (if enough data collected) or disseminate their findings in a future conference. They will also be assisted to identify existing or future opportunities, globally or within their original work environment,that the training has empowered them to be eligible and competitive for and how they can be assisted to access them and also integrate the knowledge and skills gained into their further research or professional practice roles.

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

Accommodation

Accommodation near the University

Formosa 101: http://www.hostelformosa.com/
Zuker: https://www.zuker.com.tw/en
rooms.taipei: https://www.rooms.taipei/PH
Taipei Room Rentals: http://www.taipeihouse.net/index.html

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$875.00
6 weeks	$1,500.00
12 weeks	$2,750.00

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

Scientists in Molecular Biology, Oncology, Virology, and Microbiology

Host Details

Host Name: Prof. Liang-Tzung Lin

Affiliation: Taipei Medical University, Taiwan

Address: No. 250;Wuxing Street; Xinyi District; Taipei City; Taiwan

Website URL: https://mvol.tmu.edu.tw/

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.