PhD Studentship in Biological Science at the University of East Anglia, England

The University of East Anglia is now accepting applications for the PhD Studentship 2021. The fully-funded scholarship for PhD students. In this joint studentship between the Food Standards Agency and the Quadram Institute, the student will use state-of-the-art genome sequencing technologies to identify the specific adaptations that Listeria make when exposed to sanitisers.

Summary

Project Description

Listeria is a foodborne pathogen that attacks the most vulnerable – from patients in the hospital to unborn babies – often with devasting consequences. Listeria outbreaks are now caused by a large range of food types that can be become contaminated with this resilient microbe. Listeria is also unusual in that is particularly hard to eradicate from food production environments although the basis for this is not currently well understood. This project seeks to understand how Listeria can survive in food production factories despite all the control efforts, such as the thorough cleaning of factories with chemical sanitisers. These sanitisers eradicate most Listeria strains, but some strains can survive, and in fact, persist for months if not years. 

In this joint studentship between the Food Standards Agency and the Quadram Institute, the student will use state-of-the-art genome sequencing technologies to identify the specific adaptations that Listeria make when exposed to sanitisers.

A new laboratory culture model will be used to observe if Listeria assembles together to form communities (called biofilms) and to identify what genetic changes are needed to form these communities and survive the sanitisers. The student will therefore have access to broad training opportunities in both traditional ‘wet lab’ microbiology while also using modern approaches and advanced technologies such as genomics and informatics.  The information from this project is hoped to help lead to better practices that minimise Listeria survival in the food chain, and ultimately human infection.

The student will join a large community of molecular microbiologists based at the Quadram Institute in a brand new, purpose-built building that houses these advanced technologies. The Quadram Institute is part of the Norwich Research Park – and the student will join a large cohort of graduate researchers with exceptional training opportunities.

Informal enquiries: Matthew.Gilmour@quadram.ac.uk

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to the UK and international candidates for entry in October 2021. It offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme.

You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers an exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Our Professional Internship team will provide full support and advice. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications isFebruary 25 2021

Eligibility

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Award Funding

This project is awarded a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend for each year of the studentship (2020/21 stipend rate: £15,285), and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship of £5,000 p.a

Application Process

Further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Apply Now