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Microbial Genomics in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infections

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
Apply by
Start date
Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
How to apply

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Overview

We are offering a fully funded PhD studentship investigating the microbial genomics of lung infections in people living with cystic fibrosis (CF). The studentship is embedded within a UK-wide team –the CF-TRAILFINDER Translational Innovation Hub– and is available for a fixed term of 3.5 years.

About this opportunity

You will investigate the dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections during a clinical trial studying pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) using genomic approaches.

You will be embedded within the Trailfinder-CF Innovation Hub, a national translational research programme funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and LifeArc. Trailfinder-CF aims to improve outcomes for people with CF at all life stages by developing new approaches to managing lung infections, treating exacerbations, and maintaining healthy lungs.

Your project will be closely linked to the UNIFIED-CF study, a prospective, multi-centre UK cohort study of CF exacerbations. Access to this unique resource of longitudinal samples and rich clinical metadata provides an exceptional opportunity to conduct impactful translational research.

You will be a key member of the team leading the Hub’s multi-omics approach to understanding CF exacerbations and will work closely with academic and clinical collaborators across multiple disciplines and sites. You will discover how P. aeruginosa evolves following different treatment regimes and linked to different clinical outcomes.

Training and Support

Training is a core emphasis of Trailfinder-CF. You will benefit from:

  • A dedicated early-career researcher training programme with peers across the UK
  • Training in microbial genomics, bioinformatics, and computational analysis
  • Exposure to laboratory and translational research methods
  • Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development

The student will be based in-person on Liverpool campus across the Centre for Genomics Research and the Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Infection within the Institute of Veterinary, Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool.

 

Further reading

Global genomic diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bronchiectasis – PubMed

Transmission and lineage displacement drive rapid population genomic flux in cystic fibrosis airway infections of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa epidemic strain | Microbiology Society

Metabolic specialization drives reduced pathogenicity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis patients | PLOS Biology

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Who is this for?

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a degree in:

  • Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Science, or a related discipline

An interest in microbial genomics, respiratory infection, translational research, or computational biology is essential. Prior experience in genomics or bioinformatics is desirable but not required.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Email your CV, cover letter, project title and project reference number to Louise Cooper: lhcooper@liverpool.ac.uk  Applications and queries must have the project number in the email subject line

     

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    Please submit your application to lhcooper@liverpool.ac.uk and include:

    Applications and queries must have the project number in the email subject line

    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Names and contact details of two referees.

    Please include the project title and project reference number

  3. 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.

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Funding your PhD

The project is funded by the Trailfinder-CF Innovation Hub at the University of Liverpool. This includes UK student fees, student stipend, and other project associated costs (bench fees).

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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.

Prof Jo Fothergill
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