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Bacterial Infections and Tuberculosis

University of St Andrews

University of St Andrews Scotland UK

Main Areas of Interest

The main research areas of our group are:

Discovery, development and optimization of diagnostic and treatment response biomarkers
Development and evaluation of RNA-based quantitative tests for slow growing

Techniques You Will Learn

Experimental techniques you will learn during your program here:

2D cell culture using human lung fibroblast model of infection for investigation of host-pathogen Iinteraction and the role of host gene expression.
T-qPCR - Molecular bacterial load assay (MBLA) to detect and quantify tuberculosis causing bacteria,bacterial species that exacerbate Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and several non-tuberculous mycobacteria.
Microbial culture for respiratory bacteria,
Primer design and optimization
Metagenomic library prep including cDNA synthesis, amplicon PCR, normalization, and bar coding.
flow cytometry
fluorescence and light microscope
antibiotic sensitivity testing and mutation analysis
Biosafety level 3 lab operations for TB and other respiratory pathogens

Curriculum

6-12 weeks curriculum

Fellows will be supported to settle down into their new environment (find appropriate accommodation,
locate amenities, etc.) and register at the University, during which an ID card will be issued. A desk space
will be allocated. Full induction (safety, laboratory practices, personal welfare, etc.) will be provided by
the University’s designated staff and by myself. I will arrange an initial meeting with the fellow to discuss
the objectives of the training and the expected mechanisms of their fulfilment. Experimental plans with
realistic timelines will then be decided based on the research question they have chosen to answer.

The fellow will be fully trained to run each experiment. They will then be allowed to attempt the
experiment themselves, with the trainer present during their first run. They will be able to engage with
me (supervisor) and other members of the laboratory to discuss any aspects of the general running of
the laboratory or specific protocols that they require clarifications on. They will also be trained in how to
analyze and interpret their data. I will arrange a weekly or bi-weekly meeting with the fellow to discuss
and reflect on their progress and decide the next set of experiments based on data generated. A fellow
must keep adequate and accurate records of their work using the laboratory book provided.

The fellow will be given opportunity to partake in research group meetings and other academic activities
within the School and the University, including attending relevant bespoke workshops on research
career development (e.g., academic writing, statistics using R, networking, Entrepreneurial and design
thinking etc.). They will also be encouraged to present their work orally at a research group meeting at
least once before they complete their visit.

Towards the end of the training, I will have a meeting with the fellow to discuss plans to publish their
work (if enough data collected) or disseminate their findings in a future conference. They will also be
assisted to identify existing or future opportunities, globally or within their original work environment,that the training has empowered them to be eligible and competitive for and how they can be assisted
to access them and integrate the knowledge and skills gained into their further research or professional
practice roles. They will be supported for a 3-day retreat in the Western Highlands of Scotland to
consider and consolidate plan of action in their carrier development.

All throughout the training any peculiar challenges or specific requests of a fellow will be fully
considered to ensure a responsive, relevant and adequate training plan is developed for them.

Accommodation

University or private accommodation within St Andrews or Dundee city

A month or so before arrival, we shall assist the fellow to find suitable accommodation. University halls
of residence and some private lets are within 3-15 walk while Dundee city is 15-20min by bus from St
Andrews bus station. Public transport by bus in St Andrews or between St Andrews and Dundee is very
efficient with bus coming or leaving every 10min.

information about university and other private accommodation - https://www.st-
andrews.ac.uk/study/accommodation/

Spare rooms St Andrews - https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/fife/st._andrews

Share rooms - https://www.gumtree.com/flats-houses/property-to-share/uk/st-andrews-fife

Facebook Get a room St Andrews - https://www.facebook.com/groups/StAndrewsHousing/

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee

Who Can Apply

Host Details

Host Name: Dr Wilber Sabiiti

Affiliation: University of St Andrews

Address: St Andrews KY16 9AJ; United Kingdom

Website URL: https://med.st-andrews.ac.uk/staahr/

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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