伯明翰大学(University of Birmingham)，位于英国第二大城市伯明翰市，始建于1825年，是英国老牌名校之一，全球百强大学，英国名校联盟“罗素大学集团”和国际大学组织“Universitas 21”的创始成员，英国著名的6所“红砖大学”之一。伯明翰大学以其优秀的教学质量与科研水平而在国际上享有较高声誉。英国首相内维尔·张伯伦和中国著名地质学家李四光等都是伯明翰大学的杰出校友。迄今为止，伯明翰大学已培养出8位诺贝尔奖获得者和1位英国首相。伯明翰大学在2013/14QS世界大学排名上，位居英国第10位，世界第62位;在2013-14泰晤士高等教育(THE)世界大学排名上，位居英国第23位，世界第153位;在2013上海交大世界大学学术排名上，位居英国第10-14位，世界第101-150位。
英国伯明翰大学招收关节炎症方向博士后，聘期三年。要求有免疫学知识，对炎症相关研究感兴趣。
PhD Studentship - Role of FcRL4+ B Cells in Joint Inflammation
University of Birmingham
Applications are invited for a 3-year MRC-funded PhD Studentship starting October 2015.
We have recently identified a pro-inflammatory B cell population in the joints of RA patients (1 ). These cells express high levels of destructive cytokines RANKL and TNFa mRNA as well as high levels of costimulatory molecules. Their immunophenotype showed that they are activated B cells characterized by surface expression of FcRL4 (2 ). Due to their expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and their capacity for co-stimulation, we consider these cells as a promising therapeutic target. We have recently been awarded a prestigious MRC DPFS grant allowing us to further research these cells.
In collaboration with researchers at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, we have have cloned and expressed the variable region genes as recombinant antibodies reflecting the antigen specificity of FcRL4+ and FcRL4- B cells. We will use a dual approach for this studentship: we will investigate the consequences of removal of FcRL4+ B cells from synovial tissue and investigate which antigens they recognize.
Person Specification
Applicants should have a strong background in Immunology. They should have a commitment to research of inflammatory diseases and hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject.
