Staphylococcus aureus colonisation and pathogenicity

Project Overview:

Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile and adaptable pathogen of humans and animals. Of serious medical and economic importance, infections can range from mild skin issues like boils and impetigo to more serious conditions like pneumonia and bloodstream infections. S. aureus is of particular concern because some strains are resistant to antibiotics, making them difficult to treat. This includes methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), a well-known antibiotic-resistant variant.

An increasing body of evidence suggests that S. aureus intestinal colonisation is linked to infection which frequently occurs when the S. aureus spreads to normally sterile parts of the body such as the bloodstream. The commensal lifestyle and ability of this pathogen to cause disease at multiple sites means that it must resist human innate defences and adaptive immunity that have evolved to limit its survival and growth in vivo.

Applications to study the ability of S. aureus to colonise humans and animals, resist host antimicrobials and influence the host’s adaptive immune response are welcome. 

The Clarke group research the complex interactions between Staphylococcus aureus and its mammalian hosts. Using an array of state of the are molecular, cellular and immunological approaches, research projects focus on resistance to antimicrobials, host immune responses and interactions with host cells. Interested candidates are encouraged to discuss studentship opportunities.

School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London and 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport. 

Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. Our research ranges from understanding and improving human health and combating disease, through to understanding evolutionary processes and uncovering new ways to protect the natural world. In 2020, we moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health & Life Sciences building. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching. It houses the Cole Museum of Zoology, a café and social spaces.

In the School of Biological Sciences, you will be joining a vibrant community of ~180 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities. Our students publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and organise a range of exciting outreach and public engagement activities.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision in one-to-one and small group sessions. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and learn the latest research techniques. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If English is not your first language, the University's excellent International Study and Language Institute will help you develop your academic English skills.

The University of Reading is a welcoming community for people of all faiths and cultures. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and will work to ensure that you are supported personally and academically.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a strongly-related discipline. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional courses that can help with meeting these requirements. With a commitment to improving diversity in science and engineering, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Biological Sciences at http://www.reading.ac.uk/pgapply.

Further information:

http://www.reading.ac.uk/biologicalsciences/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/PhD/sbs-phd.aspx

Enquiries:

Dr. Simon Clarke, email: s.r.clarke@reading.ac.uk