The increase in prevalence of clinical infections caused by Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) organisms is of great concern. Urgent action is needed to prevent the development of a post-antibiotic era whereby common infections have strikingly high mortality rates1,2. Novel and/or repurposed drugs to treat infections are urgently required. The repurposing of licenced drugs is an approach that provides the quickest route to clinical use providing they are shown to be both safe and effective.
Nano-formulations of antibiotics hold great promise to improve human medicine including the possibility of lowering the drug dose administered, causing fewer side effects and reducing the risk of AMR3,4. Traditionally toxicology and efficacy studies have been performed in mammalian species. However, there are a range of ethical and practical issues with the use of mammals particularly in early stage studies. The Galleria mellonella (wax moth larvae) offers a well characterised alternative invertebrate model for drug screening and virulence testing5 .
The aim of this project is to develop and screen the efficacy of novel nano-medicines on a range of clinically relevant bacterial strains within the G. mellonella model. This is an exciting and innovative collaborative project between Edinburgh Napier University and The University of Liverpool and The Moredun Research Institute. You will join an active postgraduate research group and have the opportunity to engage with a vibrant postgraduate research community. You will have opportunities to present at national/international conferences as well as taking part in a full Edinburgh Napier University run training programme.
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Microbiology, Biomedical Science or related discipline with a good fundamental knowledge of biology.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.
Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental analytical skills including statistics and data analysis
• Competent in basic laboratory skills and aseptic technique
• Knowledge of microbiology and/ or biomedical science
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management
Desirable attributes:
Microbiological culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and environmental sampling, nano-drug development/or drug screening experience
When applying (PhD APPLIED SCIENCES full-time), please quote the application reference SAS0168 on your form.
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