Pulmonary exacerbations are a major cause of morbidity in CF and are associated with accelerated lung function decline, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare burden. Although intravenous and oral antibiotics remain the cornerstone of exacerbation management, patient responses to treatment are highly variable, and reliable biomarkers of treatment response and recovery are lacking.
This PhD project will use proteomic approaches to characterise biological responses to antibiotic therapy during pulmonary exacerbations. By analysing longitudinal samples collected before, during, and after treatment, the project aims to identify proteomic signatures associated with clinical improvement, recovery trajectories, and longer-term outcomes.
Integrating proteomic data with clinical measures will support Trailfinder-CF’s goal of enabling earlier, more precise and outcome-driven interventions in CF care.
Research Focus
The student will:
- Analyse longitudinal clinical samples collected during pulmonary exacerbations and antibiotic treatment
- Perform proteomic profiling to identify host and microbial proteins associated with treatment response
- Link proteomic changes to clinical outcomes, such as lung function, symptom resolution, and exacerbation recovery
- Explore biological pathways associated with improvement or poor response to therapy
- Integrate proteomic data with clinical metadata generated through Trailfinder-CF and the Unified clinical trial
Training and Environment
The student will receive training in:
- Clinical and translational proteomics
- Sample processing and mass spectrometry–based analyses
- Bioinformatics and statistical analysis of omics datasets
- Interpretation of omics data in a clinical context
- Working with large, longitudinal clinical trial datasets
The project will be conducted within a multidisciplinary team spanning clinical CF research, proteomics, and data science, offering excellent opportunities for collaboration and impact. This is an in-person position on Liverpool Campus.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a degree in:
- Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline
Experience or interest in proteomics, clinical trials, respiratory disease, or data-driven biomedical research is desirable but not essential. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about translational research and working at the interface of laboratory science and patient care.
Email your CV, cover letter, project title and project reference number to Louise Cooper: lhcooper@liverpool.ac.uk. Applications and queries must have the project number CFT02 in the email subject line.
Funding Notes
The project is funded by the University of Liverpool and the Trailfinder-CF Innovation Hub. This includes UK student fees, student stipend, and other project associated costs (bench fees).
References
Sputum Proteomics reveals unique signatures linked to key outcomes in cystic fibrosis trials
The effect of highly effective modulator therapy on systemic inflammation in cystic fibrosis
Effect of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on systemic inflammation in cystic fibrosis | Thorax
