Student (Masters)

Description:

Overview of Duties:

Opportunity

This two-year MSc will be an opportunity to study the impact of a new class of weight-loss drugs GLP-1 receptor agonists in people living with HIV and the interaction between intestinal epithelial and immune cells to restore HIV gut pathology and HIV associated comorbidities.

The candidate will be based at AHRIs state-of-the-art facility in Durban South Africa. AHRI is an independent transdisciplinary scientific research institute based across two campuses in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa. AHRIs vision is optimal health and well-being of under-resourced populations. The institute works in partnership with local communities and South African academic governmental and other policy stakeholders. We prioritize training of the next generation of African scientists.

Background

The hallmark of HIV infection is the depletion of CD4 T cells in the gut and microbial translocation from the gut to circulation which causes systemic inflammation. Despite the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) which results in CD4 T cell recovery in the blood immune reconstitution in the intestinal lamina propria is not fully recovered.

The intestinal epithelial lining renews every five to seven days in a process dependent on intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the bottom of the intestinal crypt. As ISCs proliferate they give rise to progenitor cells that differentiate as they move out of the crypt. Limited studies have examined whether ART improves gut epithelial homeostasis and the role of ISC functions in this process and we are exploring the GLP-1RA intervention in different compartments of the GI tract.

MSc project

The student will characterise intestinal epithelial and immune cells in HIV infected participants receiving GLP-1RA drugs Liraglutide and investigate the impact of treatment on the frequency and distribution of the cell populations in the gut. This project is part of an international collaborative project of experts in human immunology and infectious disease research based in South Africa and the US. The project will therefore involve regular interactions with this extensive international research network and is an excellent opportunity for growth.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Honours degree in any of the following areas: immunology biology or any related biomedical sciences field)
• Experience with flow cytometry and data analysis
• Experience with cell culture and in vitro immune assays
• Knowledge of infectious disease research is preferable but not essential (particularly HIV)
• Ability to work under guided supervision
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills and team orientated
• NRF funding is an advantage

How to apply

Please click on apply button at the top of this form.

You are required to upload as one PDF document the following information:

• One-page cover letter
• Two-page CV and academic records

If you have enquiries about the position please email with the subject line: KloverprisGLP-1RA in the gut of PWH

Worker Type:

The application closing date:

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.