Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

The University of Manchester

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  (MBRC) Integration of streaming data to improve opportunities for antimicrobial treatments in patients with serious life-threatening infections (sepsis)

Prof Paul Dark, Prof T Van Staa, Dr Tim Felton  No more applications being accepted  Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

About the Project

To develop and evaluate software algorithms to analyse continuously, collected patient level clinical data, laboratory biomarkers of infection, microbiological results, treatment and outcome data for patient and population benefit.

Antibiotics are important medicines for treating bacterial infections in both humans and animals and are losing their effectiveness at an increasing rate. Antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant threats to patients’ safety. It is driven by overusing antibiotics. To slow down the development of antibiotic resistance it is important to use antibiotics in the right way, to use the right drug, at the right dose, at the right time for the right duration. There is great need for effective and simple interventions that optimise antibiotic prescribing. A recent review concluded that we need to better understand the quality of interventions in this area and what works best when. The NHS faces very different populations and healthcare setting and these may all respond differently to the introduction of new interventions. But the conventional scientific approach is to evaluate single interventions in well-controlled identical circumstances without capturing the real-world complexity of the NHS. This project will focus on the important clinical challenge of optimising antibiotics in patients with life-threatening infection in hospitals

Our aim through this project is to develop and evaluate software algorithms to integrate relevant, real-world NHS data sources that drive clinical decisions about antimicrobial treatment of hospitalised patients with serious infections.

Funding Notes

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Epidemiology or other degrees with demonstrated and considerable focus on quantitative research method.

Applicants must be from the UK/EU and funding covers fees/stipend for three years commencing September 2018. Applicants may contact the Primary Supervisor directly with any questions. Online applications must be submitted, select 'Manchester BRC' as the programme - for more information on how to apply please visit https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/funded-programmes/mbrc-studentships/

References

1. Chief Medical Officer annual report 2011: antimicrobial resistance (http://media.dh.gov.uk/network/357/files/2013/03/CMO-Annual-Report-Volume-2-20111.pdf)
2. Bielicki JA et al. Selecting appropriate empirical antibiotic regimens for paediatric bloodstream infections: application of a Bayesian decision model to local and pooled antimicrobial resistance surveillance data. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2016 71(3):794-802.
3. BRIT – Using data to tackle antibiotic resistance (https://www.connectedhealthcities.org/research-projects/using-data-tackle-antibiotic-resistance/)
4. Start Smart - Then Focus. Antimicrobial Stewardship Toolkit for English Hospitals. Public Health England. (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/417032/Start_Smart_Then_Focus_FINAL.PDF)
5. Antimicrobial stewardship: systems and processes for effective antimicrobial medicine use. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng15)

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Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Tackle real world challenges, make a difference, and discover your future with postgraduate research in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at Manchester. From biochemistry to neuroscience, cancer sciences to medicine, audiology to mental health and everything in between, we offer a wide range of postgraduate research projects, programmes and funding which will allow you to immerse yourself in an area of research you’re passionate about.

Why study at the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health?

Research impact: With 93% of research activity at the University rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), you'll get the chance to have an impact on global health and science challenges.

Research community: Experience PhD life as part of a diverse postgraduate research community of more than 1,000 postgraduate researchers at the 22nd most international university in the world (Times Higher Education, 2026).

Manchester: Consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the UK, Manchester boasts world-class culture, iconic sports, a thriving music and food scene, and much more. It's not just a place to research, it's a place to call home.

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About the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

At Manchester, postgraduate researchers are at the heart of our mission to tackle pressing global challenges in biological, medical and healthcare sciences - and you could be too.

By choosing Manchester for your postgraduate research, you’ll be joining a university with an exceptional research reputation, where 93% of research is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2021) and where your work will have real-world impact.

You’ll research in world-class facilities alongside leading experts at the forefront of innovation, collaborating across disciplines to pioneer new treatments, advance scientific knowledge, and improve healthcare globally.

Supported by our dedicated Doctoral Academy and strong industry links, you'll experience PhD life in a vibrant, welcoming and diverse postgraduate research community.

And you’ll leave with the specialist knowledge, research experience and transferable skills that will shape your future in academia, research or industry.


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Our Faculty brings together researchers working across biological sciences, medicine and health sciences. Research spans areas including cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, informatics, genomics, population health, infection, global health and healthcare innovation. You can apply for advertised PhD projects, explore funded opportunities, or, develop your own research proposal with a potential supervisor. Many of our researchers work across disciplines, schools and even Faculties, and collaborate with NHS organisations, industry partners and international institutions, creating opportunities to tackle real-world health challenges. Learn more about postgraduate research in the Faculty.

We offer a range of fully funded opportunities for UK and international applicants, including studentships, doctoral training programmes and University schemes. The Faculty participates in several major doctoral training programmes such as the BBSRC NWDP in Biosciences and supports initiatives designed to widen access to postgraduate research like the Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarship. Funding is launched from October each year, but new opportunities can be added throughout the year, so we recommend checking regularly for new programmes and project-based studentships. Explore funding opportunities.

The vast majority of PhD opportunities in the Faculty are pre-defined projects; however, we do also accept self-proposed projects. To propose your own research you’ll need to start by defining your research idea and finding a supervisor whose expertise aligns with your idea. You’ll also need to consider funding. This will typically be a separate process to your project proposal. In most cases, having funding in place before you contact your supervisor and apply will strengthen your application and chances of success. Once you’ve considered funding and found a supervisor, you’ll be expected to write a 1,000 to 1,500 word research proposal which sets out your project and readiness for postgraduate research. Find out more about proposing your own project on our website.

The application process will depend on whether you are applying for an advertised project or proposing your own research. For advertised projects, you’ll need to find a project that matches an area you’re passionate about, check you’re eligible and contact the listed project supervisor to check you’re suitable. If you are proposing your own project, you should identify a prospective supervisor, create a research proposal and consider your funding before contacting the potential supervisor and applying. When applying you’ll need to include a supporting statement, CV, your certificates and transcripts and any official English language certificates. Learn more about applying for an advertised project.


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