or
Continue with FacebookLooking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here.
This project is no longer listed on FindAPhD.com and may not be available.
Click here to search FindAPhD.com for PhD studentship opportunities
Dr S Diggle, Prof P Williams
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Applications are invited for this University-funded PhD studentship in microbiology, based in new facilities in the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences (CBS). The studentship will be administered through the School of Molecular Medical Sciences (http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mol/index.aspx).
Many bacterial species produce an array of toxins and virulence factors to overwhelm a host. Molecular microbiology approaches have taught us much about how virulence factors are produced and regulated, but little is known about how virulence and disease evolves in natural host systems. Microbes and their host are in a constant evolutionary arms race. For the bacteria there is often a trade off between virulence and transmission. Put simply, it is desirable to infect as many host as you can, which often requires the production of virulence factors. However, if you become too virulent you may kill your host which reduces the potential for further transmission. For the host, it is desirable to be able to resist or clear infection quickly.
This project takes a multidisciplinary approach, combining molecular microbiology with evolutionary theory and experimental procedures to address two main questions: (1) how does co-evolution between parasite and host affect the evolution of virulence? (2) how does transmission rate influence the evolution of virulence? These questions will be answered using bacteria known to be pathogenic to humans (Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) and a host nematode worm (C. elegans). The findings will be important in helping to explain why some strains of bacteria become more virulent and problematic (eg: MRSA).
Techniques will include those used in molecular and evolutionary microbiology. The techniques used for this work are well-established in our laboratory and full training and close supervision will be provided. The supervisors will be Dr Steve Diggle and Prof. Paul Williams (see http://www.stevediggle.com; http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/quorum).
The work will be undertaken in The Centre for Biomedical Sciences (http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cbs/index.aspx) which houses nearly 400 research staff and is directly connected to the Queens Medical Centre. This provides an active research environment with frequent meetings and seminars, and facilitates clinical collaborations. Research groups including those investigating Clostridia, Helicobacter pylori, Neisseria, Protein Secretion, Pseudomonas, Quorum Sensing, Staphylococcus and Yersinia, create a vibrant microbial research community that spans the Schools of Molecular Medical Sciences and Clinical Sciences. Close proximity to Chemists and structural biologists within the CBS enhances multidisciplinary investigations.
Many bacterial species produce an array of toxins and virulence factors to overwhelm a host. Molecular microbiology approaches have taught us much about how virulence factors are produced and regulated, but little is known about how virulence and disease evolves in natural host systems. Microbes and their host are in a constant evolutionary arms race. For the bacteria there is often a trade off between virulence and transmission. Put simply, it is desirable to infect as many host as you can, which often requires the production of virulence factors. However, if you become too virulent you may kill your host which reduces the potential for further transmission. For the host, it is desirable to be able to resist or clear infection quickly.
This project takes a multidisciplinary approach, combining molecular microbiology with evolutionary theory and experimental procedures to address two main questions: (1) how does co-evolution between parasite and host affect the evolution of virulence? (2) how does transmission rate influence the evolution of virulence? These questions will be answered using bacteria known to be pathogenic to humans (Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) and a host nematode worm (C. elegans). The findings will be important in helping to explain why some strains of bacteria become more virulent and problematic (eg: MRSA).
Techniques will include those used in molecular and evolutionary microbiology. The techniques used for this work are well-established in our laboratory and full training and close supervision will be provided. The supervisors will be Dr Steve Diggle and Prof. Paul Williams (see http://www.stevediggle.com; http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/quorum).
The work will be undertaken in The Centre for Biomedical Sciences (http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cbs/index.aspx) which houses nearly 400 research staff and is directly connected to the Queens Medical Centre. This provides an active research environment with frequent meetings and seminars, and facilitates clinical collaborations. Research groups including those investigating Clostridia, Helicobacter pylori, Neisseria, Protein Secretion, Pseudomonas, Quorum Sensing, Staphylococcus and Yersinia, create a vibrant microbial research community that spans the Schools of Molecular Medical Sciences and Clinical Sciences. Close proximity to Chemists and structural biologists within the CBS enhances multidisciplinary investigations.
Funding Notes
Candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant biological subject. This studentship is fully funded at the Standard Research Council stipend rates for 4 years and EU students may apply. Students will be expected to start on 1 October 2012, and stipend will be available for 4 years.
References
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Steve Diggle. Email: steve.diggle@Nottingham.ac.uk.
Applications should be in the form of a detailed CV and a covering letter. The CV should contain the names and contacts (including email addresses) of two referees, and the type, class and grade (or that predicted) of your degree. Please send your application to Dr Steve Diggle, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD. Email: steve.diggle@nottingham.ac.uk.
Applications should be in the form of a detailed CV and a covering letter. The CV should contain the names and contacts (including email addresses) of two referees, and the type, class and grade (or that predicted) of your degree. Please send your application to Dr Steve Diggle, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD. Email: steve.diggle@nottingham.ac.uk.
How good is research at University of Nottingham in Biological Sciences?
Research output data provided by the Research Excellence Framework (REF)
Click here to see the results for all UK universities
Find a scholarship to fund your dream Masters
Sign in to view and filter all scholarship opportunities
or
Continue with Facebook