Antimicrobial Resistance Research: An interdisciplinary approach to studying the impact of pollution on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the river catchment scale: integrating biology, economics and policy

Project description:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat in terms of health, economic and societal outcomes. Resistance to drugs used to treat bacterial infections is increasing rapidly and there is growing emphasis on the importance of the environment in the evolution and transmission of AMR bacteria (UN Environment, Frontiers 2017 https://bit.ly/2qnqvme).

This project will focus on the role human activity plays in the spread of AMR bacteria in the environment. Wastewater treatment plant effluents and run-off from agricultural land are known to contribute to the spread of AMR. However the relative contributions of humans and animals to environmental reservoirs is poorly understood, as is the efficacy of interventions to reduce pharmaceutical and microbial pollution. Catchment scale process including waste water treatment and agricultural practice will be examined in relation to risk of human exposure to AMR in receiving coastal waters. Research will span aspects of molecular microbial ecology, secondary data and cost benefit analysis as well as translating science into policy. The aim is to quantify drivers of environmental AMR prevalence and human exposure risk at a river catchment scale and estimate societal and economic benefits resulting from mitigation strategies to reduce AMR transmission.

The student will receive training in molecular microbiology, pollution science, and economic theory in valuing natural capital relating to its role in reducing spread of AMR and translating science into policy. This is an opportunity to join a highly active research environment at the University of Exeter and Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, which are world leading in the environmental dimension of AMR. The project will emphasise interdisciplinary approaches and transferable skills necessary for a wide variety of career paths.

We welcome applications from candidates with a background in biological / biomedical sciences or a data analytical science.

Potential applicants wishing further information are encouraged to contact Professor William Gaze at [Email Address Removed]

Benefits of joining the Medical Research Foundation National PhD Training Programme in AMR Research.
• All PhD projects will be based within interdisciplinary research consortia funded by the UKRI Cross-Council AMR Initiative.
• All students will have access to enhanced training opportunities including residential skills and training courses, cohort-building activities, and annual conferences. All are designed to expose students to a range of discipline-specific languages and interdisciplinary research skills, which are essential for enabling them to thrive as multidisciplinary AMR researchers.
• PhD students will undertake a fully-funded 3-month interdisciplinary AMR project allowing them to work outside of their primary research area or an elective placement in industry, publishing, media, policy development or in AMR-relevant charities and organisations.
• All Medical Research Foundation-funded PhD students will also be part of a wider cohort of 150 PhD students from across the UK who are also studying AMR. The cohort will have access to a bespoke, innovative online learning environment, which will facilitate peer-to-peer networking, question setting and mentoring.

Further information can be found on the AMR website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/cellmolmed/study/postgraduate/amr/