Developing an individual-based mathematical model for antibiotic resistant bacteria in urinary tract infections

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly serious threat to global public health. New resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged illness, disability, and death.

Multidisciplinary research into antimicrobial resistant infections will allow the knowledge and expertise of several important fields to be amalgamated, with a greater chance of progress in addressing this problem. Mathematical models play an essential part in this endeavor.

We are seeking a PhD student to work with Dr Ruth Bowness within the Infection and Global Health Divison in the School of Medicine and the Mathematical Biology group in the School of Mathematics and Statistics on a project at the interface of mathematics and medicine. The student will also work closely with Professor Mark Chaplain and Dr Tommaso Lorenzi from the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the Gillespie group from the School of Medicine.

The project involves creating an individual-based mathematical model to study Enterobacteriaceae in urinary tract infections (UTIs). This project will focus on carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), which can lead to Enterobacteriaciae becoming resistant to carbapenems, the usual antibiotic treatment of Enterobacteriaceae in UTIs. CPE have been steadily spreading worldwide in the last decade. Antibiotic treatment options for these multidrug-resistant infections are limited and clinicians are unclear as to the most effective antibiotic regimens. The mathematical model will be capable of simulating new treatment strategies, comparing the efficacy of various regimens.

The student will benefit from active supervision with regular progress meetings, and from the active research in the mathematical biology group and the infection group. Regular seminars are held in both departments, with internal and invited speakers, as well as journal clubs. Training in professional and research skills will be tailored to the individual student’s background and training needs.

Applications are in the form of a C.V. and cover letter, describing your interest in the project and your suitability.

Applications or informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor Dr Ruth Bowness on [Email Address Removed].

Closing date for applications: 18 Jan 2019
Interviews: March 2019
Anticipated start date: 27 September 2019