Clinical impact of environmental dry surface biofilms in Healthcare settings

An exciting opportunity to become part of an internationally recognised research laboratory

Publications in a new field of research

Conference attendance

Dry surface biofilms (DSB) are microbial biofilms formed on dry environmental surfaces. Although the concept of DSB is new, evidence of the widespread presence of DSB in healthcare settings is now emerging with multiple drug resistant organisms (MDRO) identified in DSB. 

The main aims of this study are to assess the propensity of enterococci to form dry surface biofilms on surfaces and to evaluate the ability of enterococci in dry surface biofilms to persist in the environment following cleaning and disinfection.

Overall, this project will provide an understanding of the reasons for the persistence of enterococci in healthcare environments despite the use of apparently effective infection control and prevention measures. This project will further assess the impact of environmental decontamination with the aim to provide a recommendation for an effective regimen to control the spread of enterococci outbreaks.

This is a collaborative project with the hospital Pontchaillou/ University of Rennes (France) and RCSI Education & Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin (Ireland) 

The Pharmaceutical Microbiology research laboratory at School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences at Cardiff University is a vibrant research facility concerned mainly with the control of microbial pathogens. It is one of the two leading laboratories on DSB research worldwide.

The candidate must have a 1^st or 2(i) class degree or preferably a MSc and have a very good knowledge of microbiology. Ideally, the candidate would have done a research project in microbiology and notably in the field of biofilm and/or disinfection. The candidate will need to demonstrate independent working as well as working with others.

If English is not your first language, you will need an overall score of 6.5 in IELTS, for further information about English Language qualifications please see https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate.

To apply please complete the online application - https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/pharmacy and state the project title and supervisor name - The start date will be October 2022

This is a fully funded studentship covering fees and stipend for 3 years.

For further information contact Prof. Jean-Yves Maillard: [Email Address Removed]