PhD Studentship: Targeting Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Virulence Factors

Primary Supervisor - Professor Barrie Wilkinson 

The emergence of multi-drug antibiotic resistance in many disease-causing bacteria (pathogens) has raised the prospect of a devastating return to the pre-antibiotic era, and, as was highlighted in the UK Governments 2016 review on AMR chaired by Lord Jim O’Neill, it is imperative that new antibiotics are developed to counteract this problem. This also emphasised the need to reduce the use of antibiotics to ensure our current stock lasts longer, while promoting the development of vaccines and alternatives.  

One alternative is to block the ability of pathogens to colonise and replicate within the cells of their host target, something they achieve by producing virulence factors that alter the biology of the host to assist the process of colonization. Targeting non-essential virulence mechanisms, rather than growth or viability as antibiotics do, means that the selection pressure for the emergence of resistance to virulence-inhibitors will be reduced.  

In this crossdisciplinarity project the successful candidate will use Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a model pathogen to understand the function and regulation of virulence factors to design new anti-virulence strategies. They will develop an understanding of pathogen biology in addition to cutting edge training in molecular microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, biochemical analysis, biophysical techniques, proteomics, and bioinformatics. These skills are essential to the next generation of bioscientist, and the candidate will be further supported in acquiring transferable skills such as written and spoken communication, problem solving and critical thinking and will help train visitors to the lab so s/he can gain skills in knowledge exchange. This combination of skills and experience will make the successful candidate highly employable in both academia and industry.  

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/ 

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information 

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2024/5 stipend rate: £19,237), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship. 

Closing Date: 25 November 2024 (at 11.59 pm) 

Advert information