PhD Studentship in Cell and Molecular Biosciences - Developing a high-throughput microscopy method for rapid identification of antibiotic mode of action

Antibiotic resistance threatens to return us to a pre-antibiotic era, where even minor infections can kill. To avoid this, we need to find new antibiotics with novel “modes of action” (MOAs) that kill bacteria in new ways compared to previous drugs. Antibiotics with novel MOA are harder for bacteria to develop resistance to, so they will be more effective and useful for longer. However, existing methods to determine MOA are slow, expensive and inaccurate.

During this studentship you will tackle this problem using a multidisciplinary approach combining engineering, computer science and microbiology. You will develop a high-throughput microscopy method that rapidly and accurately determines MOA by measuring changes in bacterial cell shape and organization. You will:
• Establish high-throughput microscopy of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis in a multi-well plate/ robotics format, adapting existing low throughput methods.
• Develop novel image analysis and machine learning algorithms for automated high throughput assessment of MOA based on changes in bacterial cell shape and organization.
• Screen the natural product extract library of Demuris, a Newcastle University spin-out company, for antimicrobials with unique MOA for further development.
You will receive cutting-edge training in quantitative image analysis, advanced microscopy and bacterial cell biology. Industrial research experience will be gained during a 3-month placement with Demuris.

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant field. A further qualification such as an MSc or MRes is advantageous.

The award is available to UK/EU applicants only. Depending on how you meet the EPSRC’s eligibility criteria, https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/ you may be entitled to a full or a partial award.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system - http://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/. To do this please ‘Create a new account’.
Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However, you will need to include the following information:
• insert the programme code 8300F in the programme of study section
• select ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences – Cell and Molecular Biosciences’ as the programme of study
• insert the studentship code CB122 in the studentship/partnership reference field
• attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship and supervisor, quote the studentship reference code CB122 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
• attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualificati

For further details please contact:
Dr S Holden
Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences
E-mail: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 3230