Prof I Lamont
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
An estimated 700,000 people worldwide die each year as a result of infection by antibiotic-resistant bacteria (“superbugs”) and the number of deaths is predicted to rise to 10 million people per year unless new treatments or approaches are adopted. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most problematic superbugs. In this species resistance arises through mutations that reduce the susceptibility of the bacteria to antibiotics. A number of antibiotic resistance mechanisms are well understood but the full spectrum of mutations that allow P. aeruginosa to survive antibiotic treatment during infection is not yet known.
The successful applicant will carry out a PhD project with the primary goal of determining a much more complete set of antibiotic resistance genes in P. aeruginosa. Specific objectives are to (1) evolve highly resistant mutants of P. aeruginosa in the research laboratory and use whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to identify all of the antibiotic resistance mutations; (2) determine which of the mutations have greatest clinical relevance by analysing the genome sequences of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa; and (3) engineer P. aeruginosa containing individual mutations and investigate the effects of the mutations on levels of antibiotic resistance. The biochemical basis of resistance associated with key mutations will also be investigated.
This research will provide a major step forward in understanding how P. aeruginosa survives antibiotic treatment, contributing to international efforts to improve the use and effectiveness of antibiotics. In the longer term identification of previously under-appreciated antibiotic resistance genes may lead to the development of new antibiotics against P. aeruginosa and other superbugs. The research is supported through a scholarship (3 years) provided by the New Zealand Health Research Council (NZ$30,000 per annum).
Qualifications and experience
Candidates must have research experience in molecular microbiology, and experience in bacterial whole-genome analysis would be advantageous. Candidates should have gained (or be likely to gain) a first or upper second-class Bachelor degree with honours or a Master’s degree in a relevant subject.
Funding notes
To apply for this scholarship you should email a cover letter, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts including grades awarded and the contact details for two referees.
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