Novel Light-activated Antimicrobial Molecules and Materials for Multi-drug Resistant Pathogens

A fully-funded Ph.D. scholarship is available based at RCSI’s Education and Research Centre adjacent to Beaumont Hospital Dublin. The project is part of a broader research program led by Principal Investigators in the Department of Clinical Microbiology, RCSI and The Department of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University.

This project will focus on the investigation of a new class of antimicrobial molecules and materials for healthcare associated infections such as wound or device-related infection.

Healthcare associated infections are those acquired by patients while receiving medical treatment. They include wound infection and deep-seated infection involving in-dwelling medical devices such as catheters or pacemakers. These infections are increasingly difficult to manage and treat effectively with antibiotics as they frequently involve antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens. Therefore, new antibacterial agents with alternative mechanisms of action to those currently in use are urgently needed. We have developed candidate molecules that kill bacteria when activated by a light source. Our goal is to further develop these molecules and to evaluate their antimicrobial spectrum, antimicrobial mechanism, anti-biofilm properties and selective toxicity to bacteria that are critical or high priority pathogens as defined by the World Health Organisation (eg Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus). The molecules will be evaluated for topical applications that require antimicrobial materials or coatings and applications requiring aqueous topical solutions.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD Scholar to join our research team.

The successful scholar will be well-supported in a multidisciplinary supervisory team of Chemists, Microbiologists and Clinicians with expertise and an established track record in infection epidemiology and novel anti-infectives development.

Supervisors

Supervisor 1: Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald-Hughes - https://www.rcsi.com/people/search?search=deirdre%20Fitzgerald%20Hughes
Supervisor 2: Dr. Mary Pryce - https://www.dcu.ie/chemistry/people/mary-pryce.shtml

Length: 4-year PhD

Mandatory Specification

The ideal applicant will have at least a 2.1 Grade Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a related discipline and excellent communication skills.

For applicants whose first language is not English – a high level of competence in the language must be demonstrated by completing an English language competency test prior to applying for a programme (IELTS Score 6.5 or higher)

Desirable Specification

Some laboratory experience in working with bacteria is desirable. An interest in pharmaceutical sciences is also desirable.

Application Deadline: 24/07/2020
Shortlisting Date: 31/07/2020
Interview Date: 07/08/2020
Start Date: October 2020

How do I apply

To apply, please access the following link and complete the application form in full:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=50FwYBKocEa9MDD52yEPBj6BgpLzl-ZNggs5DLWflaNUNTVRUjIzQUtWR0hMUUw4VjZETTVDOVBZTy4u

- Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
- At this stage only successful candidates will be contacted to submit, CV, transcripts and other relevant documentation.
- Only their referees will also be contacted at this stage for a reference.

Applications must include:
(i) a completed application form
(ii) English language requirements – see https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements.

Deadline: All applications must be made online by 31 July 2020 (17:00 GMT).

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application form is completed in full on time. Late and/or incomplete applications will not normally be assessed.

Further information on the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland can be found here: https://www.rcsi.com/