Antimicrobial efficacy of an ultraviolet based device for the treatment of corneal infections

Supervisors

Dr Raquel Gil Cazorla

Prof Shehzad Naroo

Applications are invited for a three-year Postgraduate studentship to be undertaken within the Optometry and Vision Sciences Research Group at Aston University. The successful applicant will join an established experimental group working on anterior eye research.

Microbial keratitis is an acute and localised infection of the cornea, and it is one of the leading causes of unilateral blindness across all ages worldwide. Managing corneal infection is a big challenge through the world due to diversity of pathogens, poor access to treatment, inefficient of treatments and increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Ultraviolet C (UVC) is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, wavelengths 200–280 nm, and the mechanism of UVC inactivation of microorganisms is to damage the genetic material in the nucleus of the cell or nucleic acids in the virus. The UVC has the potential to reduce the morbidity and numbers of eyes lost without causing any damage to healthy tissue. It could treat at an early stage without knowing what the organism was and whether there was AMR. Preliminary results have confirmed efficacy on a range of bacteria in vitro and in vivo with very low doses of UVC at 265nm (1 second of treatment).

The main objective of this project is to evaluate the efficacy of using 265nm at low doses to treat localised infections.

Requirements:

The successful applicant should have been awarded a First-Class or Upper Second-Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) in a biological or health care related subject and/or a master’s degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average. Preferred skill requirements include good communication skills and the ability to work in a small clinical team.

Submitting an application

 As part of the application, you will need to supply:

·        A copy of your current CV

·        Copies of your academic qualifications for your Bachelor degree, and Masters degree (if studied); this should include both certificates and transcripts, and must be translated in to English

·        A research proposal statement*

·        A personal statement

·        Two academic references

·        Proof of your English Language proficiency

 Details of how to submit your application, and the necessary supporting documents can be found here. 

 Please select “Research Health Sciences” from the application form options.

 *The application must be accompanied by a “research proposal” statement. An original proposal is not required as the initial scope of the project has been defined, candidates should take this opportunity to detail how their knowledge and experience will benefit the project and should also be accompanied by a brief review of relevant research literature.

 Please include the supervisor’s name, project title and project reference in your Personal Statement.

 If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admisssions@aston.ac.uk