PhD Studentship: Bacteriophage-based biocontrol of pathogens in the food chain

Primary Supervisor - Dr Evelien Adriaenssens 

The presence of Listeria in the food chain is a persistent threat to public health. In this project, the student will investigate the use of bacteriophages, viruses of bacteria, as biocontrol agents to act against Listeria present in the food production chain. The project will focus on phage discovery, characterisation and phage-host interactions linked with bacterial and phage genomics.  

We are recruiting a motivated student on a funded project at the Quadram Institute Bioscience in the groups of Dr Evelien Adriaenssens (specialised in bacteriophages and viromics) and Dr Matthew Gilmour (focus on Listeria and other invasive pathogens, and leader of networks that connect research with science-focused food businesses). The student will learn a variety of techniques in microbiology, phage biology, genomics and bioinformatics to improve our understanding of phage-host interactions and phage-based biocontrol to improve food safety. 

The ideal candidate has at minimum an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology or equivalent. Experience of working with bacterial pathogens and/or phages is desirable, but not required. Most importantly, a passion for bacteriophage research is a must. We are looking for a candidate who is willing and enthusiastic to learn a range of different laboratory and computational skills, and has an interest in building new scientific solutions based on the food safety needs of UK food producers. 

The PhD student will be based in the new purpose-built Quadram Institute building located on the Norwich Research Park, where they will join a vibrant research community at the interface between fundamental and translational research into food safety and the microbiome. The Quadram Institute offers a wide range of training opportunities, laboratory and computational scientific support and funding to attend conferences, preparing the student for any career of their choice.    

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. 

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

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