The persistence of antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens in hospitals is facilitated by their survival on contaminated surfaces that act as sources of infection on contact. The associated burden on health and UK economy is expected to keep growing, with healthcare-associated infections costing the NHS £1bn per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher with expertise in chemistry, physics or materials science to work together with members of Salford Antibiotics Research Network (SARN) to create and characterise a range of thin film antimicrobial surface coatings. These will be deposited using atmospheric pressure Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), which is a coating technique widely used in industry. This cross-disciplinary project will work closely with the microbiology department, who will investigate total bacterial load, survival of key bacterial pathogens and diversity of bacterial communities that develop on each antimicrobial surface under controlled conditions and in a real-world hospital setting.
Your role:
MSc by Research in Materials: You will be using both thermal and flame-assisted CVD to coat a range of surfaces with combinations of metal oxides to create antimicrobial surfaces for microbiological testing. You will also characterise morphology, chemical composition and durability of the different surfaces. You will be supervised by Dr Heather Yates, and you will work alongside other postgraduate research students in our dedicated Material Physics labs. After one year full-time in the lab, you will have a maximum of 12 months to prepare, submit and finalise a research thesis. You will also be expected to contribute to journal articles, conference presentations and public-facing events. You will also be a member of our inter-disciplinary Salford Antibiotic Research Network.
Costs:
Research costs (bench fees) are already funded. Tuition fees will be payable at £4,500 per year for UK students or £14,865 for international students. Discounts may be available for Salford graduates.
Practical skills:
Necessary: chemical handling, use of analysis equipment
Desirable: optical spectroscopy, hardness measurement,
Knowledge:
Necessary: materials characterisation,
Desirable: thin film deposition, antimicrobial surfaces,
Start date: Monday 27th September
To apply, visit: https://www.salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/apply
For informal enquiries, please email [Email Address Removed]
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