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Molecular mechanisms underpinning A. baumannii virulence

Funding
Self-funded
Study mode
Full-time
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Start date
Year round
Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
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Overview

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat. Acinetobacter baumannii, is the leading cause of nosocomial infections worldwide, where its high resistance to antibiotic treatments and ability to cause lethal infections, has led to its categorisation as a “critical priority” pathogen by the WHO. New therapeutic approaches, beyond traditional antibiotics, are urgently needed to address the issue. A compelling approach is to target bacterial virulence factors; specifically reducing pathogen fitness and its ability to cause disease, without exerting a high selection pressure for resistance or affecting commensal bacteria. However, a key limitation in combatting A. baumannii this way, is the current lack of understanding concerning the molecular mechanisms underpinning virulence.

About this opportunity

A. baumannii relies on several virulence factors and is especially skilled at adapting to hostile environments and meeting its nutritional needs, particularly scavenging and utilising essential metals (e.g. iron, zinc, manganese). Metals must be obtained directly from the environment; placing them at the interface between host and pathogens during infections2. Metal homeostasis and delivery of correct metals to metalloproteins is a crucial process, yet it remains poorly understood. A. baumannii possesses a COG0523 metallochaperone, ZigA, which is proposed to traffic zinc under metal limited conditions3,4. Uncovering the structure and function of ZigA will shed light on its important role during infections and may unlock new therapeutic avenues.

Objectives

  • Understand the underpinning mechanisms of ZigA, revealing its structure and function, metal preference/selection and regulatory features through structural and biochemical techniques
  • Identify interacting proteins using proteomics methods, unravel its interactome and establish how metals are successfully transferred
  • Determine the functional role of ZigA and its contribution to virulence, by evaluating KO mutants in clinically relevant strains using in vitro and in vivo infection models.

Experimental approaches

You will join an ambitious group seeking to uncover the molecular mechanisms underpinning virulence. This project is highly inter-disciplinary and offers broad training in the fields of structural biology, biochemistry and infection biology. Outstanding training and support will be offered to develop a wide range of skills and techniques. The opportunity to explore and untangle the function of these metallochaperones from a highly problematic bacterial pathogen, is ideal for a keen biochemist.

  • Molecular biology techniques for cloning, expression & purification of recombinant proteins
  • X-ray crystallography, to determine enzyme structure and substrate complexes
  • Biophysical & biochemical assays (e.g. enzyme kinetic assays) to determine enzyme function and activity
  • Proteomics (mass spec), to ID interacting proteins
  • Microbiology skills, manipulate bacterial genomes (KO mutations) and assays for viability and growth
  • Clinically relevant in vitro & in vivo models of infection, to determine the physiological role of metallochaperones in A. baumannii and understand how they contribute to virulence.

Who is this opportunity for?

Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent for non-UK qualifications), in a relevant discipline.

Further reading

  • Morris, F. C. et al. Frontiers in Microbiology, (2019)
  • Becker, K. W. et al. Fems Microbiology Reviews, (2014)
  • Mortensen, B. L. et al. Journal of Bacteriology, (2014)
  • Nairn, B. L. et al. Cell Host & Microbe, (2016).
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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Informal enquiries can be made via a cover letter and 2-page CV to . If deemed suitable, candidates would then be asked to complete a formal online application, and an interview will be required.

    Project supervisors

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • 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. 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.

    The application deadline is currently 1 June 2025. However, this may change if a suitable candidate has been found prior to this date.

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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 - £5,006

Fees stated are for the 2025-26 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.


Funding your PhD

This is an unfunded project and candidates are expected to provide funding for tuition fees and living expenses. Additional research costs of £15,000 per annum are associated with the project, for the purchase of laboratory reagents and use of shared research facilities.

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.


My qualifications are from 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 £17,000 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.

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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.

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