Project Summary: Inflammatory arthritis (IA) such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are the two most common autoimmune diseases. In IA activated immune invade the joint where they release pro-inflammatory mediators that destroy cartilage and bone, leading to functional disability. Targeted medicines have advanced RA/PsA treatment, however a significant proportion of patients still don’t respond. While common pathogenic features exist between RA and PsA, there are also differences which may explain their distinct clinical features, and more importantly, it may explain different responses to specific therapies, that impact on disease outcomes and prognoses. Thus, the current project focuses on identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms that differentiate RA and PsA pathogenesis. We will utilise a combination of well-established in vitro and ex vivo tissue/cell models, along with single cell, metabolic, molecular and bioinformatic analysis in well-defined patient cohorts to examine immune-stromal cell Interactions, and how this may differ between RA and PsA. This approach will allow identification of new disease markers and drug-candidates for the treatment of RA, PsA and possibly other autoimmune diseases. This project combines excellent clinical resources with our ability to perform extensive molecular and cellular studies which will contribute to our basic knowledge of the disease pathogenesis and will provide the basis for strong publications.
The project will be based between the Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, SVUH (https://arthritissvuh.com/) and Molecular Rheumatology, TCD (https://rheumatologytcd.com), under the supervision of Prof Douglas Veale and Prof Ursula Fearon.
Qualifications: Applications are invited with experience in the areas of cell biology, Immunology, Bioinformatics, biochemistry, or a related discipline. Applicants should have a strong interest in Translational research, with the focus of this project Inflammation. Key techniques in this project include, primary cell culture, molecular biology, Flow cytometry, metabolic assays and bioinformatics. Practical experience in some of these skills would be desirable.
The Janssen Newman Fellowship comes with a generous stipend and is tenable for two years.
Informal enquiries to Prof Douglas Veale, douglas.veale@ucd.ie and Prof Ursula Fearon, fearonu@tcd.ie
How to Apply: The candidate must complete the Newman Fellowship Candidate Form and provide an updated and detailed CV and send both documents to: graduatestudies@ucd.ie with ‘Newman Fellowship in Rheumatology’ in the subject line. Two nominated referees must separately submit their confidential reports using the Newman Fellowship Referee Form and send to: graduatestudies@ucd.ie with ‘Candidate Name Report for Newman Fellowship in Rheumatology’ in the subject line.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is extended to 8th March 2021.
