Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

The University of Manchester

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  (BBSRC DTP CASE) Use of genomic technologies to enhance food safety and authenticity

  Dr M Bromley, Prof Peter Bower  No more applications being accepted  Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

About the Project

The annual cost to UK health service due to food related ill health is £6Bn. In addition food fraud is estimated to cost UK business in the region of £11 Bn per annum. Our ability to detect food fraud is limited by the technologies we have available to detect adulterants in complex food matrices. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a technology that may allow us to detect and quantify, in a cost effective manner, adulterants, allergens and pathogens in food. This project aims to investigate the role that NGS based technologies can play in supporting the food safety industry.

You will be joining a team of researchers that are investigating the potential for shotgun based metagenomic analysis using low cost sequencing platforms such as the illumina iseq and the minION nanopore sequencers, to detect microbial pathogens in clinical samples. The project aims to apply lessons learned in the clinical sector to the food safety sector. Alongside our industrial partner PiQ Laboratories, we will be developing sequencing workflows and bioinformatic pipelines that can deliver cost effective diagnostics that detect the presence of microbial pathogens, allergens and biological adulterants in food. At the end of the PhD, you will have developed an expertise for both wet lab and bio-informatics using R and Python programming languages. In addition, via a series of placements, you will gain experience of working in a busy and dynamic analytical laboratory. The ultimate aim would be to implement the technologies developed during the research project at the partner laboratory. You will gain an insight into the commercial decision making processes that support the roll out of a novel diagnostic product.

www.piqlaboratories.co.uk
http://research.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/mfig/

Entry Requirements:
Applications are invited from UK/EU nationals only. Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

Funding Notes

This project is to be funded under the BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership. If you are interested in this project, please make direct contact with the Principal Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible. You MUST also submit an online application form - full details on how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website www.manchester.ac.uk/bbsrcdtpstudentships

As an equal opportunities institution we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Where will I study?

Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Tackle real world challenges, make a difference, and elevate your career with postgraduate research in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at Manchester. From biochemistry to neuroscience, cancer sciences to medicine, audiology to mental health and everything in between, we offer a wide range of postgraduate research projects, programmes and funding which will allow you to immerse yourself in an area of research you’re passionate about.

Why study at Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health?

Ranked the best place to live in the UK (The Economist Global Liveability Index, 2022), Manchester boasts world-class culture, iconic sports, a thriving music and food scene, and much more. It's not just a place to research, it's a place to call home.

Experience PhD life as part of a diverse postgraduate research community of more than 1,000 postgraduate researchers at the 29th most international university in the world (Times Higher Education, 2023).

With 93% of research activity at the University rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), you'll get the chance to have an impact on global health and science challenges.

1000+

postgraduate students

90

PhDs

6

ranked in UK - QS (2025)

Manchester  United Kingdom

main campus

About Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

At Manchester, postgraduate researchers are at the heart of our mission to tackle pressing global challenges in biological, medical and healthcare sciences - and you could be too.

By choosing Manchester for your postgraduate research, you’ll be joining a university with an exceptional research reputation, where 93% of research is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2021) and where your work will have real-world impact.

You’ll research in world-class facilities alongside leading experts at the forefront of innovation, collaborating across disciplines to pioneer new treatments, advance scientific knowledge, and improve healthcare globally.

Supported by our dedicated Doctoral Academy and strong industry links, you'll experience PhD life in a vibrant, welcoming and diverse postgraduate research community.

And you’ll leave with the specialist knowledge, research experience and transferable skills that will shape your future in academia, research or industry.


Main campus

The University of Manchester

Manchester

North West

United Kingdom

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