Listeria is a foodborne pathogen that attacks the most vulnerable – from patients in hospital to unborn babies – often with devasting consequences. Listeria outbreaks are now caused by a large range of food types that can be become contaminated with this resilient microbe. Listeria is also unusual in that is particularly hard to eradicate from food production environments although the basis for this is not currently well understood. This project seeks to understand how Listeria is able to survive in food production factories despite all the control efforts, such as the thorough cleaning of factories with chemical sanitizers. Most Listeria strains are eradicated by these sanitizers, but some strains are able to survive, and in fact, persist for months if not years.
In this joint studentship between the Food Standards Agency and the Quadram Institute, the student will use state-of-the-art genome sequencing technologies to identify the specific adaptations that Listeria make when exposed to sanitizers. A new laboratory culture model will be used to observe if Listeria assembles together to form communities (called biofilms) and to identify what genetic changes are needed to form these communities and survive the sanitizers. The student will therefore have access to broad training opportunities in both traditional ‘wet lab’ microbiology while also using modern approaches and advanced technologies such as genomics and informatics. The information from this project is hoped to help lead to better practices that minimise Listeria survival in the food chain, and ultimately human infection.
The student will join a large community of molecular microbiologists based at the Quadram Institute in a brand new, purpose-built building that houses these advanced technologies. The Quadram Institute is part of the Norwich Research Park - and the student will join a large cohort of graduate researchers with exceptional training opportunities.
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The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2021 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
Interview dates are to be confirmed.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.