Overview
We are offering a fully funded PhD studentship to investigate bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) as novel biomarkers of infection and disease activity in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). This project will focus on the detection and characterisation of BEVs in sputum and blood, with the long-term aim of developing minimally invasive tools for monitoring infection dynamics in CF.
About this opportunity
Chronic airway infection is a defining feature of CF and a major driver of disease progression. Current approaches to infection monitoring rely heavily on sputum culture and clinical symptoms, which may not fully capture microbial activity, early infection changes, or treatment response. There is therefore a critical need for sensitive, dynamic biomarkers that reflect ongoing bacterial burden and host–pathogen interactions.
Bacterial extracellular vesicles—nanoscale, membrane-bound particles released by bacteria—carry proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and virulence factors reflective of their parent organisms. Importantly, these vesicles can cross biological barriers and be detected in systemic circulation, making them promising candidates for blood-based infection biomarkers. This PhD project will explore the relationship between EVs present in CF sputum and those detected in blood, and assess their potential as indicators of infection state, pathogen identity, and disease activity.
Research Focus
The student will:
- Isolate and characterise BEVs from CF sputum samples
- Detect and profile BEVs in blood as systemic markers of infection
- Compare BEV signatures with conventional microbiology and microbiome data
- Assess how BEV profiles change during pulmonary exacerbations and antimicrobial treatment
- Explore the utility of BEV-associated molecules as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers
Training and Environment
The student will receive training in:
- Clinical sample processing (sputum and blood)
- Genomic, Proteomic, lipidomic, and/or nucleic acid–based analyses
- Microbial pathogenesis and host–microbe interactions
- Translational and biomarker-focused research
The project will be conducted within a multidisciplinary research environment integrating microbiology, clinical CF research, and advanced analytical approaches. The student will be part of the Trailfinder-CF Innovation hub, benefiting from ongoing training and mentorship. This is an in-person on Liverpool campus role