MSc Graduate Fellowship, Nairobi, Kenya
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit an MSc student to perform random genome-wide mutagenesis using transposons to generate a library of bacterial mutants and then utilize already established in vitro cell culture protocols to screen for mutants that fail to phenocopy the wildtype Mmm to identify bacterial factors involved in the initial host-pathogen interaction and dysregulation of the host immune response. We aim towards identifying vaccine candidates that can disrupt the bacteria-induced dysregulation of the host’s immune response.
Project title: Identification of virulence factors as novel vaccine targets for CBPP, by whole genome saturated mutagenesis
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, CBPP, caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm), is one of the major infectious diseases affecting cattle in Africa. Available vaccines are suboptimal with low efficacy, short duration of protection, and a limited compliance by cattle owners due to sporadic severe reactions at the site of injection. Protective host immune responses and the pathogen factors that induce them are largely unknown, which is a great impediment to the development of more efficient vaccines. Also, the bacterial virulence factors are not well understood, with very few virulence factors described. What is known is that CBPP is characterized by immunopathology, with a massive infiltration of neutrophils at the site of infection, the lungs. In this project we will identify bacterial factors that induce immunopathology or host protective immune responses.
The MSc student will perform random genome-wide mutagenesis using transposons to generate a library of bacterial mutants and then utilize already established in vitro cell culture protocols to screen for mutants that fail to phenocopy the wildtype Mmm to identify bacterial factors involved in the initial host-pathogen interaction and dysregulation of the host immune response. We aim towards identifying vaccine candidates that can disrupt the bacteria-induced dysregulation of the host’s immune response.
Key responsibilities
- Generation of a transposon library of Mmm mutants
- Testing the quality of the library
- Setting up cell culture assays at ILRI
- Sequencing and analyzing selected mutants
- Writing a first draft of the manuscript to published
Position requirements
- Master’s student in molecular biology or similar
- Experience and strong interest in molecular biology work.
- Problem solving skills
- Data collection and data analysis skills
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Team player
Additional information
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 12 months
Terms of appointment and stipend: This is an appointment for 12 months. Start date will be agreed with the selected candidate, but ideally from April onwards.
Benefits: ILRI will offer a stipend to cover living expenses in the project location, medical insurance and cover research expenses.
How to apply: Find full details of how to apply on the ILRI Jobs website.