About the Project
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the Red-ALERT CDT for entry in September 2025.
Overview of the Research:
This exciting and collaborative project will use contemporary molecular techniques to undertake microbial source tracking of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) organisms and key human pathogens downstream of anthropogenic pollution inputs. Humans can come into contact with AMR and pathogens in natural environments, potentially resulting in negative human health outcomes. Therefore, reducing the burden and spread of both AMR and microbial pathogens in the environment is of critical concern. The PhD project will be hosted at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), Wallingford, in collaboration with the University of Bath, and our CASE partner Wessex Water.
AMR poses a huge global public health threat, with bacterial resistance alone being attributable to 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019. The treatment of wastewater at wastewater treatment works (WwTWs) represents an important process in reducing harmful pollution from anthropogenic activity and safeguarding environmental and human health. However, research has shown that the release of wastewater can cause increases in pathogens, AMR and resistance-driving chemicals in downstream environments.
Microbial source tracking (MST) is a critical tool for differentiating between contamination sources in aquatic environments. MST allows for identification and characterisation of pathogens, including those encoding AMR, downstream of polluting inputs. Understanding the dynamics of AMR and pathogen dissemination from WwTWs into receiving environments is crucial for developing effective interventions and safeguarding public and environmental health. This project will employ MST methods in a catchment-based approach to source apportion polluting inputs within the Cam and Wellow Catchment, aligning with the Living Lab Challenges and the goal of enhancing environmental health surveillance. Combining advanced omics technologies, including long reads and metagenomic sequencing with microbial strain tracking at a field scale, and chemical profiling with mass spectrometry, this PhD will provide essential insights into effects of different pollution sources on water quality, and inform mitigation of risks associated with waterborne AMR and pathogens.
The student will gain comprehensive training in molecular approaches (DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing library prep/data processing), chemical profiling with mass spectrometry, data visualisation, statistics, presenting and scientific writing. The student will also participate in opportunities at host and partner organisations and the Red-ALERT CDT.
Project Keywords: Microbial source tracking (MST), Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Metagenomics
Industrial Partner:
Wessex Water are the industrial partner on this project.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
*Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement prior to a formal offer being made.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
Enquiries and Applications:
Formal applications should be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form prior to the closing date of this advert.
Funding Notes
Candidates may be considered for a NERC Red-ALERT studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (ÂŁ19,237 p/a in 2024/5) and access to a training support budget.
