Longitudinal carriage of temperate phages of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their role in the chronically infected lung. (ref: RDFC22/HLS/APP/DSMITH2)

Chronic respiratory disease including Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis have high mortality rates due to the progressive loss of lung function linked to bacterial infection. Within these disease groups, inflammation and the production of mucus enables an environment supportive to the colonisation of opportunistic bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pae). Pae evolves rapidly in the lung through alteration of physiology and metabolism (biofilm formation). We here focus on the temperate bacteriophages of Pae that genetically alter their host bacterium by incorporating their viral DNA into the bacterial chromosome. As an integrated phage (prophage) their accessory genome may promote alteration of cell function including antimicrobial resistance that aids bacterial survival in the lower lung. 

This research will build on our current research trying to identify how temperate phages provide a selective advantage for their bacterial host by alteration, addition or subtraction of host cell function aiding adaptation and evolution in the lung. This study will primarily focus on the longitudinally isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates taken from Bronchiectasis patients and compare temperate phage evolution. The aim is to identify genes or phage encoded phenotypes that are associate to progression and sustained infection in the chronically colonised lung.

You will join a team of active phage researchers, in a faculty defined as 4* for research environment in REF 2022, using; systems, culture, invitro models, molecular biology, omics and bioinformatics approaches to overlay the impact of phages in preterm gut environment.  

Eligibility and How to Apply:

Please note eligibility requirement:

•       Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non- UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.

•       Appropriate IELTS score, if required.

•       Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere or if they have previously been awarded a PhD.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: All applications must include a covering letter (up to 1000 words maximum) including why you are interested in this PhD, a summary of the relevant experience you can bring to this project and of your understanding of this subject area with relevant references (beyond the information already provided in the advert). Applications that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDFC22/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: Wed 24^th Aug 2022

Interviews: Approx 7 Sept 2022

Start Date: 1 October 2022

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our doctoral students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers.

Informal enquiries to Professor Darren Smith ([Email Address Removed])