Analytical and Applied Biosciences - Antibiotic resistance and synthetic biology.

Analytical and Applied Biosciences - Antibiotic resistance and synthetic biology.

Applicants should use the links provided in each topic or project area to the Research Centres and Research Groups identified, or to the named supervisors for each project, to ensure that their application and proposal fits with the research interests and topics defined in the studentships offered.

Abstract

After so many years’ research on natural product drug discovery, an innovation gap was observed since all the lower-hanging fruits have been picked during bioactivity-guided screening processes. Much fewer natural products have been approved to be used as drugs in the recent 20 or 30 years than their golden age. At the same time, even the application of modern technology in pharmaceutical industry and healthcare sectors has improved the quality of our lives greatly, we are still facing the shortage of drugs for some critical diseases. For example, antibiotic resistance has been identified as one of the biggest challenges human beings are facing in these years. Teixobactin is the first antibiotic discovered in decades without any detectable resistance. It has garnered much interest and is called a ‘game-changing’ antibiotic capable of killing superbugs. This project aims to screen and discover novel antibiotics sharing the resistance mechanism with teixobactin based on the self-resistance genes identified in the biosynthesis pathway of teixobactin. Synthetic biology tools will be used to increase the production of these novel antibiotics, and the resistance mechanism will be investigated. High quality publications would be expected from the research results. Furthermore, the outcome of this project will be more antibiotics having less chances to develop resistance, which is extremely helpful to fill in the innovation gap during antibiotic discovery and fight against the challenge of antibiotic resistance. 

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline. A masters level qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable, but not essential, as well as a demonstrable understanding of the research area. Further details of the expected background may appear in the specific project details. International students will be subject to the standard entry criteria relating to English language ability, ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.

How to apply

Please use the Online Application (Funded PHD) application form for the year starting ‘October 2020’. When asked to specify funding select “other” and enter ‘RDS’ and the title of the PhD project that you are applying for. You should ensure that you clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and the title of the topic or project on the proposal that you will need to upload when applying. If you would like to apply for more than one project, you will need to complete a further application form and specify the relevant title for each application to a topic or project. 

Applications for studentships that do not clearly indicate that the application is for a Funded Studentship and state the title of the project applied for on the proposal may mean that your application may not be considered for the appropriate funding. 

For administrative enquiries before or when making your application, contact [Email Address Removed].

After an application has been made, please contact [Email Address Removed]

Select process

All applications received by the closing date will be considered. Successful applicants at the application stage will be shortlisted and contacted to arrange an interview. All interviews will be held online. Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted to confirm that the application will not be progressed. After interview, all interviewed applicants will be contacted to inform them of the outcome. All applicants will be considered for both Fully Funded PhD and Fees-Paid PhD studentships with the decision about the type of studentship offered to a successful candidate made after interviews have taken place. Successful applicants progressing to an offer of a place, to commence in either May or October 2021.

About Teesside

As a Teesside University research student, you will join a growing and dynamic research community, allowing you to share your experiences, insight and inspiration with fellow researchers. You will benefit from our academic expertise, and be supported through a strong programme of research training. You will be offered opportunities and support at each stage of your research degree. Our research is designed to have impact, and to influence policy and practice within our region, the UK and beyond. We work with external organisations to anticipate and respond to research needs, and to put our research into practice in sectors as diverse as the arts, engineering, healthcare and computing. PhD students are encouraged to work with their supervisors to explore the potential impact of their work.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in research group and centre activities, including training sessions and workshops, and will become a member of the University’s wider postgraduate research community. Mentoring and support will be provided for the development of a strong academic and professional CV during the PhD.

Academic enquiries

For academic enquiries, please contact [Email Address Removed].

For administrative enquiries before or when making your application, contact [Email Address Removed].

Key dates

Deadline: 15/02/2021 5:00PM

Interview date: We envisage that interviews will take place in w/c 22 March 2021.

Start date: Successful applicants will be expected to start May or October 2021.