PhD Studentship: Cracking the Chain of Command in Multidrug Efflux Evolution
Investigate the molecular evolution of multidrug efflux systems in E. coli using massive transposon mutagenesis.
Best for:Best for biology or microbiology graduates with an interest in microbial evolution, antimicrobial resistance, and high-throughput functional genomics.
Overview
This fully funded four-year PhD studentship is hosted at the Quadram Institute Bioscience within the University of East Anglia's Norwich Research Park. Under the supervision of Professor Mark Webber and Dr Gemma Langridge, the project explores how bacteria evolve multidrug resistance and maps the hierarchy of multidrug efflux systems. The successful candidate will utilize a massive transposon library of over 800,000 mutants to evaluate fitness impacts across diverse physiological conditions. The role provides comprehensive training in microbial genetics, evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics within a world-class research community.
What you'll do
- Design and execute high-throughput experiments utilizing a massive transposon library of over 800,000 bacterial mutants.
- Map and quantify fitness impacts of efflux pump modifications across diverse environmental conditions such as biofilms and anaerobic growth.
- Investigate the hierarchy and condition-dependence of multidrug efflux systems in E. coli and related clinical isolates.
- Analyze complex phenotypic and genomic datasets using bioinformatics and computational tools.
- Collaborate with researchers within the Centre for Microbial Interactions and present findings at internal and external scientific meetings.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or MSc in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Genetics, or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; meeting standard university postgraduate English language proficiency requirements if applicable.
Instruction: English
- Strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, or microbial genetics
- Demonstrated ability to perform rigorous experimental design and laboratory work
- Interest in antimicrobial resistance and evolutionary biology
- Basic data analysis or bioinformatics skills for handling large biological datasets
- Open to eligible candidates meeting the criteria for the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Interested applicants should visit the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal to submit their application package. Ensure all required academic transcripts, reference details, and supporting statements are uploaded prior to the deadline.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
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