Revealing gene function and networks in bacteria through chemical genomics

Chemical genomics allows us to increase our understanding of microbial tolerance to chemicals that either promote or inhibit growth. This information is useful for a variety of reasons. For example it can be used to identify genes required for resistance to antibiotics, it can provide evidence for the function of an unstudied gene, it may be used to identify genes which are required for growth under a particular environmental condition and it may be used to identify the targets for inhibitory compounds for which a mechanism of action is not known.

The development of high-throughput, cost-effective approaches to whole-genome sequencing has allowed researchers to conduct massively parallel experiments to match single genes to phenotypes. This project will expand on these capabilities combining chemical genomics with fitness measurements. Data sets produced by this approach will be a valuable resource for the microbiological community, as it will provide high-confidence associations between hundreds of annotated and uncharacterized genes as well as inferences about the mode of action of several poorly understood drugs. Organisms being studied include Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Corynebacterium diptheriae etc.

In this project you will select an organism for further characterisation. The objectives of the project can be shaped by the interests of the student but will train the student in the use of bioinformatics, molecular genetics and microbial genomics in addition to learning about high throughput screening assays.

At the University of Birmingham, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, you will be part of a vibrant and lively postgraduate community and one of the world-leading institutes for microbiological and infectious disease research.

Person Specification
If you are an enthusiastic scientist with an interest in host-pathogen interactions, looking for a PhD position, we would be happy to hear from you. A background in immunology, microbiology or molecular genetics would be helpful. An enthusiastic approach to science, together with the ability to take ownership of your own project within a young, dynamic research team, is essential. You should have a commitment to academic research and hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject.

How to apply
Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Ian Henderson
Applications should be directed to Ian Henderson (email [Email Address Removed]). To apply, please send:
• A detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;
• Names and addresses of two referees;
• A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;
• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts;
• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable;
• All applicants should indicate in their applications how they intend to fund their studies.

Funding notes:
We have a thriving community of international PhD students and encourage applications at any time from students able to find their own funding or who wish to apply for their own funding (e.g. Commonwealth Scholarship, Islamic Development Bank).

The Institute of Microbiology and Infection offers a number of UK Research Council (http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/; http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/mds-graduate-school/scholarships/mrc-impact/index.aspx) PhD studentships each year and studentships funded by Wellcome (http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/mds-graduate-school/wellcome-aamr/index.aspx; http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/mds-graduate-school/scholarships/wellcome.aspx). Fully-funded research council studentships are normally only available to UK nationals (or EU nationals resident in the UK) but part-funded studentships may be available to EU applicants resident outside of the UK. The deadline for applications for research council and Wellcome studentships is in January each year.

Each year we also have a number of fully funded Darwin Trust Scholarships (http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding/darwin-studentships.aspx). These are provided by the Darwin Trust of Edinburgh and are for non-UK students wishing to undertake a PhD in the general area of Molecular Microbiology. The deadline for this scheme is also in January each year.

Please note the only funding available for this PhD is via the Scholarships mentioned.