Funded PhD Studentship Opportunity
Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:22:00 BST
A Funded 3-year PhD Studentship is available at the University of Huddersfield within the Forensic Genetics Research Group.
Application Deadline
1st June 2013 (PhD to start October 2013)
Title
Capillary electrophoretic analysis of microRNA markers in mixed body fluids
Supervisor
Dr Graham Williams BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, MFSSoc, FHEA
Background
With the increasing sensitivity and effectiveness of DNA profiling, the mutually compatible field of body fluid identification is getting left behind. Current enzymatic/histological techniques have been left relatively unchanged for the past 20-30 years. For example, the current test for blood targets the peroxidase activity within the blood. Publications relating to this can be found as far back as the 1970s.
Alternative techniques for body fluid identification have predominantly focused on blood and to a lesser extent semen and saliva. A lot of work has been carried out on blood which utilises many techniques, such as chemical (Raman, etc) and biological (DNA methylation and proteomics). Such techniques are laborious, have low sensitivity, specificity or require large sample volumes. In addition, there are currently no reliable and robust tests for vaginal material, menstrual blood or skin cells.
The concept of forensic RNA analysis has been around for quite a few years, but has been rejected due to the perceived instability of RNA molecules. However, forensic stains are typically dry, which means that the ribonuclease activity has halted; this along with increased sensitivity of molecular biology tests indicates that RNA is a viable strategy for forensic purposes – with a recent study detecting blood specific mRNA in 23 year old blood stains. MicroRNA is a recent discovery and these are considered to be more stable, and in theory more suitable for forensic analysis, than mRNA. This increased stability is derived from its shorter nucleotide length, higher copy number within the cell and its theoretical immunity from the effects of the ribonuclease activity.
Published research, generated by the Forensic Genetics Research Group at the University of Huddersfield, has shown that capillary electrophoretic analysis can be carried out on cDNA products derived from mature miRNA markers in such a way that is complementary to STR analysis. There are some significant technical challenges with this approach, so exploration of various aspects of capillary electrophoresis is required.
Further publications by this group have also shown that miRNA analysis can resolve mixtures of body fluids – using qPCR techniques – to determine major and minor body fluid contributions.
The Project
The proposed project is to build upon the work carried out by the Forensic Genetics Research Group to date and explore the feasibility of CE analysis of microRNA markers in mixed body fluids and correlation with the subsequent STR result generated. The successful applicant will gain significant experience in a range of molecular biology techniques, such as various extraction methods, standard reverse transcription, stem-loop reverse transcription, real-time PCR (qPCR), CE as well as various techniques associated with the production of STR profiles.
Funding
This project is funded and the successful applicant will receive a tax-free bursary of ~£13,500 a year for three years. A bench fee is also covered. However, there is no funding to cover the Tuition Fee; therefore the successful applicant will need to be eligible for the University’s fee waiver scheme.
The applicant
The successful applicant must have at least a 2:1 degree, but preferably a 1st class degree. A 2:1 degree is acceptable if accompanied by experience in a DNA profiling facility or by a relevant Masters’ degree. The degree must either be in a biological, forensic and/or analytical degree.
Applicants with experience of working with forensic DNA/STR mixtures, either as part of their degree or through industry experience will be at a considerable advantage.
The applicant must also be a UK/EU citizen.
Application
Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Williams at g.a.williams@hud.ac.uk
To apply, please email a CV and a covering letter to Dr Williams at the above email address.
The deadline for applications is the 1st June 2013 and interviews will be held shortly afterwards, if invited.
