Hosted by Dr Thomas Clarke, MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection (CMBI), Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London
Key words: Microbiota, microbiome, gut, immunology, infectious disease, antimicrobial resistance
Overview: Humans are home to approximately 100 trillion symbiotic bacteria – the microbiota - which are critical for our health. Disruption of the microbiota is linked to inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, autoimmunity and infectious disease. Because of this importance, the Clarke lab aims to decipher the language of communication between the microbiota and host with the goal of designing communities of symbiotic bacteria as a new way to treat infectious and inflammatory diseases. In this project, we will build on our recent work (Sequeira et al, Nature Microbiology, Brown et al, Nature Communications, 2017 and Brown et al, PLoS Pathogens 2021), to manipulate the microbiota to treat enteric infection. Whilst it is clear that microbiota disruption leads to infection it is unclear which members of the vast microbiota protect against infection. In this project we will address this major human health challenge to design communities of symbiotic bacteria to protect against infection by different antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens. This project will pave the way for future therapeutic use of these defined communities of commensal bacteria as a completely novel way to combat AMR pathogen infection and their spread.
The MRC CMBI and Department of Infectious Disease provides excellent training and community network for PhD students. The research project will be based on South Kensington Campus in central London. The Clarke lab will provide cutting-edge training in the exciting and highly sought-after areas of the microbiota and bacterial pathogenesis. Most importantly, in addition to excellent scientific training, the lab provides an open, friendly and supportive environment to work and flourish.
How to apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter describing why you are suitable for the studentship and interested in the project and lab, along with the details of two referees to Dr Thomas Clarke [Email Address Removed] by 10/05/21.
The project aims to start in October 2021, with some flexibility to start before or after this date depending on candidate circumstances.
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