Overview
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms often attached to a surface and encased within protective matrix. They represent a key challenge in healthcare, due to their increased tolerance to treatments. Thus, development of biofilm prevention strategies is crucial. This project aims to combine advanced imaging and spectroscopic techniques to better understand early biofilm formation events.
About this opportunity
Biofilms are highly sophisticated colonies of microorganisms that are attached to a surface and encased within a sticky, protective matrix. These biofilm colonies are a key challenge in healthcare, due to their tolerance to traditional antibiotics, leading to chronic infections. There is an urgent global need to prevent biofilm colonies from forming or growing. This is a challenging subject requiring a truly interdisciplinary science approach.
This project will combine advanced imaging and spectroscopic techniques across Physical and Life Sciences to obtain in-depth understanding of bacteria-surface and bacteria-bacteria interactions in early biofilm formation, from the single cell level upwards.
The BBSRC supported PhD project is in collaboration with Symcel, an innovative company specialised in biocalorimetry.
The PhD will involve:
- interdisciplinary science
- Advanced microscopy, super-resolution microscopy and spectroscopy techniques
- BioCalorimetry, development of model biofilms and establishing standard methods of assessment
The student will register at the University of Liverpool and enrol in NBIC’s Doctoral Training Centre which trains inter-disciplinary PhD researchers at the Interface of Physical and Life Sciences.
- Provide high level training and mentorship in research and entrepreneurship
- Join a National Network of leading Research Groups in the UK
- Join a community of leading companies in the UK
Some teaching duties may be required, and these will be paid on top of the regular stipend.