Parallel development of novel antimicrobial cosmetics and diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2

The University of Lincoln is offering one fully-funded PhD studentship within the laboratory of Dr Matthew Bates, Senior lecturer in microbiology specializing in diagnostics and global health. The studentship is supported by one of the U.K’s leading cosmetic manufacturers, Potter & Moore Innovations Ltd
The SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic has brought into sharp focus the importance of infection prevention and control for emerging and re-emerging pathogens. The incorporation of antimicrobial properties into high quality cosmetics such as moisturizers and skin creams is an appealing approach towards infection control, as these are popular products that are widely used, and would complement the role of dedicated hand sanitizer products, in reducing transmission of pandemic pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, and also combat the transmission of common endemic respiratory and gut pathogens. The project will involve collaboration with Potter & Moore to develop and evaluate novel formulations of these products.

A key component of infection prevention and control are laboratory diagnostics. Accurate diagnostic tests that can rapidly differentiate infectious from non-infectious individuals, are a powerful tool in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, and have played a similar role in other recent emerging infectious disease outbreaks, such as those caused by ebola or zika virus. The most commonly used assays (qPCR) require considerable lab infrastructure and biomedical human resource capacity to implement, and are difficult to rapidly scale-up, as has been so evident in the UK’s response to SARS-CoV-2. The project will involve the development of novel gold nanoparticle-based diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 and other candidate pathogens with the goal of developing rapid diagnostics that can be easily scaled to mount an effective diagnostic response to emerging pathogens.
We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student to drive forward these two complimentary projects, each of which will form a result chapter for the final PhD thesis. A third results chapter will be based on preliminary validation studies of one of the above technologies, exploiting biobanks and clinical resources that we have access to through our global health partners. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in ground-breaking research, and to also gain insight into product development and innovation with industry.

Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant area. Applicants with a relevant Master’s are particularly welcome.
Applicants should possess excellent report writing and English language communication skills and an ability to work to deadlines.

How to Apply
An application of a 2-page CV and covering letter to [Email Address Removed] explaining your motivations for applying for this studentship, which includes responses to the following questions:

1) Which technology do you think will supplant PCR as the go-to method for molecular diagnostics over the next two decades?
2) In the public health response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which are more important and why: hand sanitizers or diagnostics?
3) What do you think the relative strengths and weaknesses are of both industry and academia, in responding to the pandemic?

Closing Date: 31st October 2020, 12pm
Interviews: Week commencing 19th Nov 2020
Start Date: 08 January 2021 - Academic year 2020-21