PhD Studentship: Mechanisms of Infection and Virulence of Salmonella in the Liver

Primary supervisor – Dr Naiara Beraza 

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a foodborne pathogen that induces gastroenteritis in humans and animals. While most of the research investigating Salmonella infection have focused on intestinal and immune cells, the liver is one of the main targets of Salmonella.

The liver is mainly composed of epithelial cells, called hepatocytes, with a strong metabolic function. Still, little is known about how Salmonella can infect hepatocytes and whether Salmonella can persist and grow inside these cells.

The aim of this PhD is to define the mechanisms by which Salmonella infects hepatocytes and mediates its intracellular growth. This knowledge is highly relevant to inform future strategies to reduce Salmonella pathogenicity in the liver.

To do this, you will get extensive training in in vivo techniques including animal handling and infection, as well as isolation of primary liver cells for characterisation in culture. You will receive training in cellular biology methodologies including analysis of gene regulation by qPCR and protein expression by western blot, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. You will also learn microbiology techniques and will receive training in complex methodologies including transposon directed insertion-site sequencing (TRADIS) and its analysis using bioinformatics tools. 

This extensive training will provide you with a series of valuable transferable skills essential for the progression of their scientific career.

The project will be carried out at the Beraza Lab in collaboration with the Kingsley Lab at Quadram Institute, co-housing research laboratories with clinical facilities combining basic with biomedical research.

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is open to UK and international candidates with relevant undergraduate degrees for entry in October 2025 and offers the opportunity to undertake a fully-funded 4-year PhD research project supported by the UKRI Medical Research Council in microbiology and microbial bioinformatics.

Our unique and comprehensive training programme empowers students to feel comfortable running sophisticated computer analyses alongside laboratory work and emphasises problem-based learning in microbial bioinformatics, professional development and research skills. All MMB DTP students undertake a Professional Placement.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May 2025.

The MMB DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Students are selected without regard to age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or social background. We value curiosity, independence of thought, plus an aptitude for research that combines laboratory work and bioinformatics.

For information on eligibility and how to apply: www.uea.ac.uk/phd/mmbdtp 

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year fully-funded studentship including direct payment of tuition fees to the University, stipend for living expenses (2025/26 rate: £20,780) and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship.

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