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

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