About the Project
Are you interested in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and cutting-edge translational research? Do you want to learn and apply quantitative analytical skills, including metagenomic analysis and Reinforcement Learning (RL) models, to predict and tackle AMR transmission through urban water systems in rapidly growing cities and a warming world? Join our interdisciplinary team to gain hands-on experience in genetic engineering, microreactor simulations, and computational analysis, all while addressing one of the most urgent global health threats. This studentship will equip you with the tools and knowledge to make a real-world impact on AMR and help shape effective solutions for public health.
The studentship will address the following questions:
How do environmental factors like climate change, urbanisation, and antimicrobial use influence the acquisition and spread of AMR genes in urban water systems?
How can high-throughput microreactor experiments and RL models predict and simulate AMR dynamics in urban water environments, and how can these models be applied to inform public health strategies?
What role do integrons play in AMR gene evolution and the transfer of resistance between bacterial species, and how can this knowledge be used to develop interventions to mitigate AMR transmission and spread to improve public health outcomes?
Key Features of the Project:
Hands-on Experience with Cutting-edge Genetic Engineering: Work with engineered integron-gene cassette systems to study AMR gene dynamics in real-time.
High-throughput Microreactor Simulations: Gain experience in bacterial evolution under controlled conditions simulating urban water environments.
Training in Genomics and Metagenomics: Master genomic and metagenomic analysis using a supercomputer and integrate large-scale sequencing data for AMR research.
Advanced Computational Modelling: Develop expertise in Reinforcement Learning models to optimise experimental conditions, predict AMR transmission, and understand how environmental and genetic factors influence AMR evolution.
This PhD is ideal for students with a strong background in microbiology, genomics, or computational biology who are eager to develop a broad range of skills and contribute to impactful, interdisciplinary research. You will be part of a collaborative, world-class team working to combat AMR and improve public health outcomes globally.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made by emailing needl@newcastle.ac.uk with:
· a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees);
· a covering letter – stating your project choice, as well as including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application
· copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates;
· a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required);
· a copy of your passport (photo page).
A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE
Please submit your documents in the following format only:
- each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: [candidate surname, candidate name – [document]]. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – personal statement; Jones, Jamie – BSc transcript.
- Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, personal statement, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
- Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
- Please only send the Application Details Form 2025 as a Word document (not pdf), named as follows: Application Details Form – surname, name.
- When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: NEEDL Application 2025
Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.
Informal enquiries may be made to needl@newcastle.ac.uk
The deadline for all applications is 12noon on Monday 31st March 2025.
Funding Notes
Studentships are funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for 4 years. Funding will cover tuition fees at the UK rate only, a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) and stipend. We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
