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

[UKRI-funded studentships cover UK tuition fees, a living stipend, and an annual £5,000 research grant for the first three PhD years. International students are limited to 30% of the cohort.] This PhD opportunity at The University of Edinburgh, funded through the EASTBIO Doctoral Training Partnership, focuses on uncovering novel host antimicrobial responses in macrophages using advanced proteomics and informatics approaches. The project is supervised by Professor David Dockrell, Dr. Brian McHugh, and Dr. Clark Russell, all based at The University of Edinburgh. Macrophages are essential innate immune cells with diverse antimicrobial functions. The research centers on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition characterized by inflammation and frequent bacterial infections. In COPD, alveolar macrophages exhibit impaired responses to persistent bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae , leading to ineffective bacterial clearance and disease progression. The project hypothesizes that COPD alters mitochondrial responses in alveolar macrophages, affecting metabolism, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) production, and mitochondrial fission—all critical for pathogen clearance. By defining new bactericidal roles for these host mechanisms, the research aims to advance understanding of macrophage microbicidal activity and identify new therapeutic targets to combat antimicrobial resistance. The project comprises three main aims: (1) mapping the metabolic and proteomic landscape of macrophage antimicrobial responses, (2) integrating data to prioritize targets for validation, and (3) validating findings both in vitro and in vivo. This interdisciplinary research will employ cutting-edge proteomics and informatics tools, offering training in experimental and computational techniques relevant to host-pathogen interactions and immune cell biology. Funding is provided through UKRI studentships, which cover UK tuition fees, a living stipend, and an annual £5,000 research grant for the first three years of the PhD. International students are eligible but limited to 30% of the cohort, in accordance with EASTBIO DTP policy. Eligibility criteria follow UKRI guidance, typically requiring a first or upper second class undergraduate degree in a relevant biological or biomedical discipline. Applicants should prepare strong academic transcripts and references. The application deadline is 15 December 2025. Prospective students should download the necessary documents from the EASTBIO webpage and submit their completed application, EDI survey, and academic transcripts to [email protected]. References must be sent to the same email using the provided form. Online Q&A sessions will be held in November and December 2025; details are available on the EASTBIO How to Apply webpage. Incomplete applications will not be considered. This project offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in immunology, host-pathogen interactions, and translational research to join a leading research group at The University of Edinburgh and contribute to advancing knowledge in antimicrobial responses and therapeutic development.