Emerging viruses at the animal-human-environment interface

Overview

Live animal markets are key interfaces for zoonotic spillover, where viruses circulate between animals and humans. This PhD will investigate the prevalence, evolution, and transmission dynamics of emerging viruses, including avian influenza and coronaviruses, using integrated wet-lab and bioinformatic approaches.

About this opportunity

Live -animal markets (LAMs) provide inhabitants with animal-source foods, but also undoubtingly act as a perfect interface for virus exchange with a high risk of cross-species transmission to humans. Several earlier virus outbreaks have been linked to LAMs including avian influenza virus (AIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, we aim to study the prevalence, investigate transmission dynamics and identify reservoirs and transmission bridges of emerging viruses with special emphasis on AIV and CoV.

Guidance will be provided on research design, methodology, and career development over the project period. Regular meetings, and follow-up sessions will be held weekly. The student will have access to modern laboratories, databases, and software specific to the research project. The interdisciplinary approach combining in silico and in vitro studies will equip the student with a competitive set of skills that is highly sought after in both academia and industry.

The project will be conducted at the university of Liverpool main campus in collaboration with University of Helsinki. The supervisory team consisting of a mix of scientific expertise spanning basic virology and public health ensuring the student will be supported from multiple perspectives and will be provided essential guidance to perform the proposed project.

Who is this for?

Applicants for postgraduate research study at Liverpool are normally expected to hold a UK first degree with a First Class or Upper Second-Class degree classification, or a Second-Class degree plus a Master’s degree. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted, and their equivalence will be evaluated based on the information provided by the European Network of Information Centres (ENIC) formerly NARIC as well as internal guidance based on our experience of a qualification’s suitability as a preparation for our programmes.

Previous knowledge in diagnosis and/or genomics techniques will be advantageous.

For applicants whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 5.5, or an equivalent University of Liverpool acceptable English language qualification. For further details and other acceptable English language qualifications please see here: http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/international/countries/english-language/

How to apply

1. Contact supervisors

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Principal Supervisor(s) by email for further information.

Supervisors	Email address	Staff profile URL
Dr. Mahmoud Naguib	Mahmoud.naguib@liverpool.ac.uk	https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/mahmoud-naguib
Prof. Dr. Johanna Lindahl	Johanna.Lindahl@Helsinki.fi	University of Helsinki

2. Prepare your application documents

You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
- University transcripts and degree certificates to date
- English language certificates (international applicants only)
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details for two proposed supervisors
- Names and contact details of two referees.
3. Apply

Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £5,238

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,200

fes stated are for 2026/27 academic year

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project, as well as general student living costs.

Funding your PhD

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £23,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Dr. Mahmoud Naguib