New Diagnostic Tools for Tuberculosis and Bovine Tuberculosis

Bovine tuberculosis is a disease of global importance. It is estimated that the worldwide losses to agriculture from this disease amount to $3 billion per annum and is one of the biggest challenges currently facing cattle farmers in the UK. The major causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (TB) is Mycobacterium bovis, a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The related organism, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis is a global pathogen, responsible for more deaths than HIV, and multi- and totally drug resistant strains now spreading. There is an urgent need for new drugs and new detection systems.

This PhD is lead by the Fullam Lab (http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/research/pathbac), experts in TB and the GibsonGroup (http://www.warwick.ac.uk/go/gibsongroup) experts in nanoscale diagnostic tools. We will use innovative chemistry, synthetic biology and microbiology techniques to create new nanoscale sensors for these pathogens. The Groups have a fruitful collaboration and have developed easy ’colour-changing’ tools for diagnostics recently https://tinyurl.com/jlj2trg and https://tinyurl.com/onbzjt5.
This represents a unique opportunity to engage in a cross-disciplinary project with opportunity to make real impact. You will be embedded in both groups, with significant opportunities to learn new skills, attend conferences and develop your research career.

REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should have an honours degree (at least II.1 or equivalent) in biochemistry, cell biology, biology or chemistry or other relevant discipline, and should be a UK citizen or have been a resident in the UK for three or more years. Candidates should be able to show an interest in multidisciplinary science and be able to work in team environment.

HOW TO APPLY
Please direct informal enquiries and requests for further information to Dr E. Fullam ([Email Address Removed]) and Prof M Gibson ([Email Address Removed]) including a 2 page (max) CV.

Details on the formal application procedure can be found at http://www.go.warwick.ac.uk/pgapply