Postgraduate research
Selection of bacteriophages for therapeutic use in cystic fibrosis-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
Qualification: PhD
Department: Genetics
Application deadline: 27 November 2024
Start date: January /February 2025
Overview
Supervisors:
- Dr Andrew Millard
- Professor Martha Clokie
Project description:
Cystic fibrosis is one of the UK's most common life-limiting inherited diseases, affecting >10,000 people. The condition causes mucus to build up in the internal organs, especially the lungs and can lead to chronic chest infections and lung inflammation. One of the most common bacteria associated with chronic infection in people with cystic fibrosis is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chronic infections lead to multiple treatments with antibiotics, which can lead to antimicrobial resistance infections. An alternative to antibiotics is the use of bacteriophages (phages), viruses that specifically infect bacteria, to treat bacterial infections.
The effective use of phage therapy relies on the large collections (biobanks) of well characterised phages that suitable for therapeutic use. The project will be based at the University of Leicester Centre for Phage, building on the existing biobank infrastructure to further develop phages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with cystic fibrosis. The project will develop a robust collection of P. aeruginosa phages which will be phenotypically and genomically characterised. The work is part of a wider Innovation Hub, led by researchers at the University of Liverpool and funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The overall aim of the project is to develop a robust collection of phages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa for potential therapeutic use
The objectives of the project are to:
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Phenotypically characterise phages in terms of their pH tolerance, host range, stability at different temperatures, and their virulence.
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Genomically characterise phages in terms of their gene content and genomic structure.
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Utilise the genomic and phenotypic data to identify genomic features of phages which make them “good” phages for phage therapy.
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Optimise biobanking methodology for high quality, reproducible storage and a library that can be accessed for compassionate use and product development.
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Work with NISBC to further develop a bacteriophage sequencing standard, to allow the monitoring of pipelines during bacteriophage product development.
Training will be provided in the isolation and characterisation of bacteriophages, including both wet lab and bioinformatic analysis.
Funding
Funding
The studentship is funding by Cystic Fibrosis Trust and provides:
- 3.5 years UK fee waiver
- 3.5 years stipend
- Yr 1 £22,976
- Yr 2 £23,523
- Yr 3 £24,070
- Yr 4 £12,308 (6 months)
International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and overseas fees for the duration of their study. This will amount to £18,864 per year of study (as at 2024/25).
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in a relevant subject or overseas equivalent.The University of Leicester English language requirements apply.
Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries
Project enquiries to Dr Andrew Millard adm39@le.ac.uk
Application advice to pgradmissions@le.ac.uk
How to apply
How to apply
To apply please use the Apply link at the bottom of this page and select January 2025.
The project start date will be agreed at interview.
With your application, please include:
- CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you
- Degree certificates and transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
- Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available. Referees cannot be anyone on the PhD supervisory Team.
- In the funding section please specify Genetics - Millard
- In the proposal section please provide the name of the supervisors and project title (a proposal is not required)
Applications will be considered after the closing date. We will advise you of the outcome by email.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Open to UK and overseas applicants
*EU applicants who hold EU settled or EU pre-settled status please provide PGR Admissions with a share code (the one that starts with S) so we can verify your fee status email to pgradmissions@le.ac.uk
International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and overseas fees for the duration of their study. This will amount to £18,864 per year of study (as at 2024/25).
