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  Molecular epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis in high risk UK populations: what is the impact of changing practices and cultural factors?

Dr P Marsh, Prof I Clarke  No more applications being accepted  Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

About the Project

Lead Institute / Faculty: Clinical and Experimental Sciences/Faculty of Medicine

Main Supervisor: Dr. Peter Marsh

Other members of the supervisory team: Professor Ian N. Clarke

Duration of the award: 3 Years

Full time or part time: Full Time

Project description: This project is a collaboration between the University of Southampton, Public Health England (PHE) and The Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. Genital chlamydia infection is the most frequently diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK and prevalence is increasing. The project will build on our established expertise and technologies using high resolution genotyping of C. trachomatis from genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic attendees to study the epidemiology of this STI. Certain groups in the UK population may be termed “high risk” regarding their capacity to acquire STIs and to spread them between other population groups. This can be due to aspects of behaviour, culture, lifestyle and other demographic factors. As practices attempting to control STIs are evolving to match changes in culture and behaviour, otherwise predictable transmission routes through known sexual networks are presenting new threats to the sexual health of the population. The successful candidate will deploy cutting edge technologies and will interact with GUM clinics to address the following questions: Have recent changes in cultural and behavioural factors and control practices impacted upon the spread of C. trachomatis and risk of acquisition? Who is at risk and are there new sections of the population at risk? What factors are associated with these new risks? Results will inform future intervention and surveillance strategies. This project is directly supportive of the PHE Programme: “Reducing the Burden of Disease: Improve sexual health and reduce the burden of sexually transmitted infections”.

Please contact: Professor Ian N. Clarke: [Email Address Removed]
Or Dr. Peter Marsh: [Email Address Removed]

Person Specification: See person doctoral specification link below
https://jobs.soton.ac.uk/Upload/vacancies/files/16042/03%20Doctoral%20Researcher%20Person%20Specification_UoS_FoM_PhD.docx

We seek a candidate with the following qualities:
• A genuine enthusiasm for the biology and epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis and other sexually transmitted infections.
• A confident independent attitude enabling them to work across different disciplines in addition to the research environment, including clinical microbiology/virology, routine diagnostic laboratory settings and research ethics committees.
• A keenness in molecular biology and bioinformatics.
• A good team worker and communicator.
• An organised thinker, able to drive diverse project aspects and manage time efficiently.

The successful candidate is likely to have the following qualifications:
• A 1stor 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline and/or second degree with a related Masters

Administrative contact and how to apply:
Please complete the University’s online application form, which you can find at
https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=4355&majr=4355&term=201718

You should enter Prof Ian N. Clarke as your proposed supervisor. To support your application provide an academic CV (including contact details of two referees), official academic transcripts and a personal statement (outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date).

Informal enquiries relating to the project or candidate suitability should be directed to Professor Ian N. Clarke ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr. Peter Marsh: [Email Address Removed].

Closing date: 26/6/17
Interview date: 19/7/17

Funding Notes

The project is funded for 3 years by a Public Health England (PHE) PhD grant (£32,000 per annum) and a University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine University PhD scholarship (£7,000 per annum) and welcomes applicants from the UK and EU only due to funding restrictions of fees. Funding will cover fees, project consumables and note that PHE matches as a minimum the MRC London stipend rate for all PHE sites, which is £16,553pa for 2017/18

Where will I study?

Faculty of Medicine

Take your place in a faculty where exciting advances happen, from breakthroughs in biomedical science to pioneering drug trials. At the University of Southampton’s Faculty of Medicine, discoveries move swiftly from bench to bedside, powered by our close partnership with University Hospital Southampton. We’re seeking talented researchers who are ready for the rigours and rewards of medical research in this dynamic environment. In return, you’ll have access to flagship facilities that bridge the gap between lab and clinic, such as the Centre for Cancer Immunology and NIHR Clinical Research Facility. A supportive, interdisciplinary community, flexible programmes and tailored training will ensure you thrive during your research journey and beyond.

Why study at the Faculty of Medicine?

Choose from flexible options across three programmes – PhD, DM (Doctor of Medicine) and integrated PhD (iPhD) – available full-time or part-time, with four entry dates per year.

Benefit from our investment in multidisciplinary research teams, encompassing biomedical sciences, neuroscience, cancer and population health and more, with opportunities for external collaborations.

Take advantage of opportunities for discovery and translational research through our links with University Hospital Southampton and industry partners.

Join a research community that’s helping to improve human health in areas as diverse as asthma, osteoporosis and antibiotic resistance.

Work with top-tier researchers from around the world, forge international partnerships and take part in global health initiatives.

200

postgraduate students

1

PhD

81st

in the QS World University Rankings 2025

Southampton  United Kingdom

main campus

About the Faculty of Medicine

At the Faculty of Medicine our researchers flourish in a rich interdisciplinary research environment with a strong translational ethos. You’ll take your place alongside world-leading specialists whose work across biomedical sciences, neuroscience, cancer and population health is solving global health challenges and informing clinical policy and innovation.

As part of our inclusive, supportive community you’ll be empowered to turn ideas into real-world solutions. Our links with University Hospital Southampton and the Institute for Life Sciences offer access to extensive patient cohorts and clinical trials, and you’ll benefit from all the high-spec facilities you’d expect from a powerhouse of medical research, such as:

Beyond the lab, you’ll benefit from tailored support, including mentorship schemes, grant-writing workshops and access to a wide range of online journals and resources.

Our location at University Hospital Campus gives you a direct connection to clinical settings and real-world healthcare challenges, while through public engagement initiatives like LifeLab, you can share your passion for research with the wider community and build your leadership and communication skills.


Funded PhD opportunities


Join a friendly, diverse research community where you’ll find all the support and resources you need to excel.

On campus, shared work and social spaces, and an active Life Sciences Postgraduate Society create plenty of opportunities to connect with your peers. You can also take part in Doctoral College activities that bring the wider University postgraduate research community together – a chance to celebrate your achievements and showcase your work through events such as poster exhibitions and a Three Minute Thesis competition.

Throughout your time with us, you’ll be supported by a small team of expert supervisors who are invested in your success. Mentoring and development opportunities are embedded into your research journey, with more than 400 professional development workshops to choose from each year.

We are committed to promoting respect, inclusion and opportunity for all, through award-winning initiatives like the Race Equality Charter, Athena Swan recognition and Black Futures Scholarships. Dedicated groups, such as a parents’ and carers' network and LGBTQ+ groups, bring together postgraduate researchers with shared interests or priorities. There are also comprehensive wellbeing, disability and inclusion services for any additional support you might need.

When you need to take a break, Southampton offers a blend of cultural venues, restaurants and nightlife, green spaces and coastal walks. With a mild climate and a safe, friendly, walkable community, it’s a great location for postgraduate life.




You can include a CV in your application, but the University application form has sections for education and work experience. It is easier for recruiters if you put the information into the form.

No. We will need the references by the time of your interview at the latest and will request them independently.

Yes. Contacting supervisors before you apply is invaluable to ensure you understand the work they do, and how you would fit into the team. Supervisors are unlikely to accept an applicant who has not been in touch with them before.

The Faculty of Medicine hosts the Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Programme, which offers studentships on the integrated PhD in Biomedical Science programme and iCASE (industrial Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering) studentships. The University also offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, including the prestigious Presidential Scholarships, Black Futures Scholarships, and Innovation and Social Impact awards. You can find more details on the Doctoral College funding page. Many externally funded projects are also available throughout the year.

We ask for a minimum standard of English Language of at least IELTS overall score of 6.5 with 6.0 in each category. Or you can provide proof of a previous degree taught in English, or substantial work experience in the UK. Find out more about our entry requirements.


Main campus

University of Southampton

Southampton

South East

United Kingdom