“Modified insect RNA viruses as gene delivery systems”

Recent publicationsThe positions are available immediately.Successful applicants should have a proven background in general recombinant DNA techniques. Molecular virology with hands-on expertise in cell culture and experience in generating recombinant baculoviruses and fluorescence microscopy will be an advantage.PhD and Post-Doctoral Scholarships are available to participate in a research programme funded by the NRF Blue Skies Programme to develop a novel gene delivery system based on the virus-like particles (VLPs) of a family of small insect RNA viruses, the Tetraviridae. The aim is to produce modified tetravirus VLPs that package RNAs with therapeutic potential and that can be targeted to deliver these non-viral RNAs to diseased cells and tissues. Specific research projects include the characterisation of RNA packaged by VLPs using next generation sequencing, the design and construction of recombinant baculoviruses to produce modified VLPs and assessment of the ability of modified VLPs to bind to target cells.

Successful applicants should have a proven background in general recombinant DNA techniques. Molecular virology with hands-on expertise in cell culture and experience in generating recombinant baculoviruses and fluorescence microscopy will be an advantage.

The positions are available immediately.

Recent publications

• Short & Dorrington (2012) Membrane targeting of an alpha-like tetravirus replicase is directed by a region within the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain. J Gen Virol; 93:1706 – 1716
• Dorrington, & Short (2010) The Tetraviruses. In "The Insect Viruses". K Johnson and S Asgari, Eds. Caister Academic Press, (UK). pp 283 - 305
• Short et al. (2010) Subcellular localisation and live cell imaging of the Helicoverpa armigera stunt virus replicase in mammalian and Spodoptera frugiperda cells. J Gen Virol; 91 (6): 1514 – 1523

For more information contact: Prof Dorrington (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140 South Africa. Tel: 27-46-603 8442; Fax: 27-46-6223984