About the University of Cape Town Lung Institute Allergy And Immunology PhD

The Lung Institute is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Cape Town (UCT) and is recognized internationally as a leader in the study of treatments of airways diseases. The AIU was established in 2000 to provide state of the art clinical and laboratory services for the diagnosis and management of allergic and immune-based diseases, with a mission to tranform lives of patients through innovative science and compassionate care.

Read more about UCT AIU here

Funding has been secured to study mechanisms of immune-mediated adverse drug reactions (IM-ADR) in HIV/TB endemic settings. The reactions often affect the skin or specific organs e.g. liver or kidney. This PhD project will examine immunopathogenesis at the site-of-disease using single cell and possibly spatial transcriptomic approaches; with focus on identifying pathomechanisms of IM-ADRs in the patients. The student will gain expertise in conducting relevant assays and analysis during a three-year PhD in the unit.

Minimum Requirements

• MSc in Biological Sciences
• 1-2 years laboratory experience with demonstrable assay proficiencies
• At least one scientific publication or conference presentation as a main contributor
• Awareness of good laboratory practices
• Keen interest in research (particularly in allergy and immunology)
• Current travel documents and willingness to undertake overseas, either USA or Australian training periods (6 months)