PhD Studentship - Bacterial Pathogen Evolution during Antibiotic-Phage Combination Treatment
Investigate how antibiotic and bacteriophage treatments interact to influence bacterial resistance evolution and clinical outcomes.
Best for:Best for aspiring microbiologists with a strong interest in experimental evolution and phage therapy.
Overview
The GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme is offering a four-year PhD studentship focused on the intersection of antibiotic and bacteriophage therapies. This project investigates how antibiotic treatments reshape phage-bacteria interactions, resistance evolution, and cell-to-cell variation in bacterial responses. The successful candidate will employ a multidisciplinary approach, integrating experimental evolution, microbiology, single-cell imaging, and biochemistry. The research will be conducted across the Universities of Exeter, Bath, and Bristol, with a strong emphasis on clinical relevance through patient and public involvement. This position is part of a competitive cohort of 18 MRC-funded studentships available across the partnership.
What you'll do
- Design and conduct experimental evolution studies to observe bacterial responses to combined treatments.
- Perform microbiological assays to assess resistance evolution and defense system deployment.
- Utilize single-cell imaging techniques to analyze cell-to-cell variation in bacterial populations.
- Apply biochemical methods to characterize the molecular mechanisms of phage-bacteria interactions.
- Collaborate with research teams across the Exeter, Bath, and Bristol partnership.
- Engage with patient and public groups to ensure the clinical relevance of the research.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant biological or biomedical discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency required.
Instruction: English
- Strong foundation in microbiology or a related biomedical field.
- Experience or interest in experimental evolution or bacterial genetics.
- Ability to work across multiple research sites and collaborate effectively.
- Open to both UK and International students.
- Must meet the academic requirements for PhD admission at the participating universities.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-21
Interested candidates should apply through the official university funding portal. Ensure all required documentation is prepared according to the GW4 BioMed3 programme guidelines.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Reference letters
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