[Employment] PhD student(s) sought/ Sichuan University/ West China Medical College. Chengdu, Sichuan, China

[cdt2008ss from hotmail.co.uk]

A graduate student (post-MSc) is now being sought to work at the State
Key Laboratory of Biotherapy in Chengdu (Sichuan China). Research
areas: Population genetics; public health; parasitology; RS GIS.

The student would be registered for a degree at Sichuan University.
The student will be required to undertake multidisciplinary primary
research designed to understand better the transmission biology of
Schistosoma japonicum in China with the aim to design more effective
disease control strategies. This is an informal advertisement because
the University's official vacancies page does not allow full project
details to be posted.

The student will follow the project outlines and objectives provided
by the principal investigator (PI); the results will be jointly
published in international journals. The research will be supervised
by the PI who is Dr Stephen Attwood, a scientist now working at the
State Key Laboratory, previously having worked for 10 years at the
Division of Biomedical Sciences in The Natural History Museum, London.

*Background*

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by certain
freshwater snail species (intermediate hosts); the disease is the
result of infection by species of Schistosoma (Trematoda: Digenea).
Schistosomiasis infects over 200 million people world wide and can
cause serious illness. People become infected when contacting water in
which these snails live. In China schistosomiasis is caused by
Schistosoma japonicum and is transmitted by snails belonging to the
Oncomelania hupensis (Caenogastropoda: Pomatiopsidae) sub-species
complex.

WHO (1999) figures reveal that in spite of 45 years of snail and
disease control Schistosoma japonicum still infects over 850,000
people and 100,000 cattle in China. Clearly, schistosomiasis
eradication is difficult and it is vital that we understand the
processes of disease dispersal and transmission. Schistosoma japonicum
causes a true zoonosis, utilizing a range of mammals as definitive
host (including humans); however, there is much greater intermediate
host specificity, with infection restricted to Oncomelania hupensis
snails at the sub-specific or even strain level. S. japonicum (and
Oncomelania hupensis) is common across the Yangtze Plain of China and
causes severe public health problems.

*Projects*

The student will pursue research under one of the following projects;
these projects are all interrelated and to some degree share samples,
resources and data. The first year will involve pilot studies which
will shape and define the final main projects in the second year and
onwards. The exact number, scale and final design of the projects will
depend on the availability of suitable students and funding.

1. To use population genetics (DNA-sequence based) to estimate
population dynamic parameters for, and levels of gene flow among, S.
japonicum populations from different definitive host groups at
transmission foci in Sichuan Province. The aim is to determine the
importance of different hosts as reservoirs of infection that may
reduce the efficacy of disease control efforts at the human population
level.

2. To use population genetic analysis of DNA sequence data for S.
japonicum populations across China to study a. The effectiveness of
disease control in areas of prolonged intervention, b. the emergence
of new foci of disease transmission.

3. To use microarray based techniques to study differential gene
expression in S. japonicum compatible and resistant strains of
Oncomelania hupensis. Also, to perform a study as in 2 (above) for
snail control assessment.

4. To use RS GIS to predict potential foci of disease transmission in
remote and unsurveyed areas of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. This
would involve collaboration with researchers in Shanghai and Sussex
University in the UK.

Selection criteria

Students chosen will:

- Receive research training in phylogenetic and population genetic
analysis of DNA sequcence data, which can be applied to any organism,
pathogen or disease. The incumbent of project 4 will also receive
training in RS GIS analysis.

-Receive high quality training in research-related skills
(presentation, writing, running a research project, etc.)

-Be introduced to a network of researchers across China and Europe
involved in the fields of parasitology, bioinformatics, and GIS /
modelling.

-There is a good chance of some research experience overseas (UK),
especially if the student proves to be a good worker.

-Research teaching methods and laboratory practice may follow the
European model; this may be useful experience for any student hoping
for a post-doctoral position in Europe

The applicants should satisfy the following criteria

-Show enthusiasm, a sincere attitude to research, have adequate pre-
training, interest in participating in a multidisciplinary research
team and eagerness for bridging between research disciplines, and be
willing and able to work in the field occasionally (long walks in
rural and mountain areas may be involved for some of the projects,
when working with local teams e.g. local CDC officers).

-The student must satisfy the general entry requirements of Sichuan
University for registration.

-The student must be a native Chinese speaker. These opportunities are
intended for Chinese Nationals.

-The student must have a good level of English language comprehension
(both written and spoken) ideally CET 6 or better.

-The student should have a relaxed and patient nature, the laboratory
work can sometimes involve fine and delicate work. A relaxed
commonsense approach is required.

-A student wishing to register for a Masters degree will only be
considered if extensive or specialized relevant experience can be
proven.


Address of work place:
State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China
Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China

Application procedure:

Formal applications *must be made directly* to the university. The
project title "The transmission biology of Schistosoma japonicum in
China" is listed on the University's web site.

However, any applicant who intends to apply can also send their resumé
and a statement detailing why they would like to apply, and how their
skills and past experience are relevant to the application to Prof.
Stephen Attwood at cdt2008ss from hotmail.co.uk