PhD Studentship: Integrating Large Language Models with Comparative Genomics for Zoonotic Pathogen Research
Join a four-year doctoral programme to develop AI-driven models for predicting zoonotic bacterial emergence.
Best for:Aspiring researchers with a background in bioinformatics, data science, or microbiology interested in infectious disease modeling.
Overview
The University of Exeter is offering a four-year PhD studentship as part of the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme. This research project focuses on predicting the zoonotic potential of bacteria by integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) with comparative genomics. The successful candidate will analyze vast amounts of scientific literature alongside bacterial genomic data to identify molecular signatures of host switches. This interdisciplinary work aims to create biologically interpretable models to enhance human pathogen surveillance. The position provides comprehensive training in bioinformatics, data science, and microbiology.
What you'll do
- Develop and apply Large Language Models to extract infection context from large-scale scientific literature.
- Perform comparative genomic analysis on bacterial datasets to identify molecular markers of host adaptation.
- Integrate heterogeneous data sources to build predictive models of zoonotic emergence.
- Participate in research training and professional development activities within the GW4 BioMed3 programme.
- Contribute to the development of new tools for human pathogen surveillance.
- Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Bioinformatics, Data Science, or Microbiology.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency required.
Instruction: English
- Strong foundation in bioinformatics or computational biology.
- Experience with data science techniques and programming.
- Knowledge of microbiology or infectious disease mechanisms.
- Ability to integrate interdisciplinary research methods.
- Open to both UK and International students.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-21
Interested candidates should apply through the official university funding portal. Ensure all required academic documentation is prepared according to the GW4 BioMed3 programme guidelines.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter
- Research statement
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