Development of a predictive in-vitro model to study preservative resistance development in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A four year PhD project funded by the BBSRC and Unilever commencing October 2018 is available. The project will be supervised by Professor Craig Winstanley (Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool), Dr Tom Pointon and Dr Barry Murphy (Unilever Research & Development Port Sunlight). The successful candidate will be registered with the University of Liverpool and receive a stipend starting at £18,057 pa. A minimum of a three month placement will take place at Unilever Port Sunlight site.

Chemical preservatives are added to home and personal care (HPC) products to prevent microorganism growth ensuring product safety to consumers and maintaining product quality. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading microorganism contaminant of HPC products and is associated with resistance to antimicrobial agents. Consequently, P. aeruginosa is the foremost microorganism to study so that we can develop an understanding of preservative resistance. This project will (i) develop in-vitro resistant strains of Pseudomonas spp to a range of preservative chemistries, (ii) perform next generation sequencing to determine genomic and transcriptomic basis for resistance, (iii) generate an in-vitro resistance model capability as an investigative tool for preservative resistance development.

Applications are invited from candidates with (or expecting to obtain) an upper second class or first class degree in Biological Sciences or related subjects. Candidates should have a strong interest in bacterial infections and an interest in genomics. Applicants should send a CV to Professor Craig Winstanley ([Email Address Removed]) and Dr Tom Pointon ([Email Address Removed]) by May 30th indicating any dates in June when you would be unavailable for interview.