In this project, Campylobacter and Salmonella isolates from diarrhoeal stool specimens will be investigated by applying high throughput HMW DNA extraction and long read sequencing technologies. Sequence data will be analysed with informatic methods and interpreted by comparison with publicly available data at national and global levels to understand the local strains, mobile elements and antimicrobial resistance determinants in circulation.

The candidate will also address the challenge of processing stool for HMW DNA extraction prior to long read metagenomic analysis. The industrial partner, RevoluGen Ltd, is a leader in the field of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA extraction methodologies which will be optimised for downstream metagenomic sequencing. The aim is to significantly improve the number and quality of metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs) from Campylobacter and Salmonella positive stools over what would be achieved with short read sequences. The MAGs will provide insight into 1) the presence and genomic location of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants, 2) characterisation of virulence factors and 3) population level comparisons through strain level typing, which will indicate method viability as an option for outbreak detection.

The candidate will join the research group of Dr Gemma Langridge, an expert in bacterial genomics based at QIB, an interdisciplinary state-of-the-art research facility with access to advanced Oxford Nanopore sequencing facilities, expertise in research microbiology, molecular epidemiology and bioinformatics. The wider supportive group interlinks with facilities across the Norwich Research Park, including the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

The 33-month studentship program at QIB and 3-month industry placement at RevoluGen are ideal for a student seeking both an academic and an industry opportunity in genome level characterisation of pathogens with great public health importance, product development and using the latest genomic and metagenomic long read sequencing technologies to expand into emerging research fields.

Informal enquiries: gemma.langridge@quadram.ac.uk

This project has been selected for funding by the MRC Doctoral Antimicrobial Research Training (DART) Programme. The MRC DART Management Board approves entry to the programme and studentship offers.

Shortlisted applicants can expect to be interviewed on  Thursday 28^th October 2021.

Students will benefit from collaborative training with the Norwich Research Park (NRP) Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (DTP), as well as a breadth of training possibilities across NRP partners. Through collaboration with a non-academic partner, students will spend 3-18 months on a placement with the iCASE partner. Through this placement, students gain access to training, facilities and expertise not available in an academic setting alone, significantly enhancing future employability.

Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. Before admission candidates must also meet the UEA minimum English language requirements.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply:  https://www.uea.ac.uk/web/research/research-with-us/postgraduate-research/latest-phds-and-research-studentships/mrc-dart-icase

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission on merit without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.