PhD Studentship: How Does a Superbug Evolve?

Primary Supervisor - Professor Mark Webber

Bacteria are key parts of the human microbiome, and we carry as many bacterial cells as our own representing hundreds or thousands of species in any individual. These bacteria have a large impact on our health and can also cause disease making understanding how they adapt and evolve to live with us critical. One group of important bacteria are the coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) which commonly live on our skin and can occasionally cause disease. CoNS are constantly evolving in response to pressures of selection from other bacteria and host defences. One strain of Staphylococcus capitis, a common CoNS known as NRCS-A has been found to have become adapted to neonates. This strain is carried by neonates and is now common in neonatal intensive care units throughout the world where it can cause deadly infections. It is unclear why NRCS-A has become more successful than other strains of S. capitis although it has been shown to have develop the ability to live in the gut as well as the skin. This project will study why NRCS-A has become a globally successful strain in neonates.  

The project will use cutting-edge molecular and bioinformatic approaches and utilise a unique bacterial strain collection we have assembled. You will join a large community of molecular microbiologists within the Quadram Institute in a brand new, purpose built building with state of the art facilities. The Quadram Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park - home to the Centre for Microbial Interactions, one of the largest groups of microbiologists in europe with a collaborating group based on site within the University of East Anglia. The project offers an outstanding training experience provided by a world class suprervisory team in an exemplary environment.  

Informal enquiries can be sent to mark.webber@quadram.ac.uk  

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 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) 

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