At a Glance
- Tasks: Modernise Campylobacter burden assessment using integrated genomics and data analysis.
- Company: Newcastle University, a leader in public health research.
- Benefits: 100% home fees covered and a tax-free living allowance of £21,805 per year.
- Other info: Join a dynamic PhD cohort with unique training opportunities and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and food safety policy.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Honours degree in relevant fields; strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
Newcastle University
Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Funding for: UK Students
Funding amount: 100% of home fees, minimum tax-free living allowance of £21,805 per year
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 15th July 2026
Closes: 28th July 2026
Reference: SNES312
Award Summary
100% of home fees, minimum tax-free living allowance of £21,805 per year
The problem
Campylobacter remains the leading bacterial cause of gastrointestinal illness in the UK, but its human burden is badly understood. This PhD addresses this gap, integrating multiple high-value datasets describing metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing information, clinical and epidemiological data, genomic and surveillance data, and selected UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other food-related datasets. These data provide opportunity to quantify true Campylobacter burden, including infection patterns, coinfection effects, and severity within and across different population groups.
Your role
Collaborating with FSA and UKHSA, you will help modernise how Campylobacter disease burden is assessed, identify drivers of change and possible interventions. You will explore how genomic diversity relates to clinical outcomes, whether machine-learning approaches can identify emerging clusters, and how integrated genomic–clinical data can support earlier strain detection. The project may also examine vulnerable groups and their behaviours, pathogen-specific severity profiles, and how improved burden estimates could inform FSA’s response to rising Campylobacter trends and threshold exceedances.
Training
You’ll develop advanced analytical skills e.g. multivariate, machine learning and Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment Microsimulation modelling, generating evidence directly relevant to national food safety policy. You will join a PhD student cohort with NIHR Academy training opportunities. This unique opportunity focusses on the interface of public health, epidemiology and genomics decision-making, producing insights supporting the UK’s strategic Campylobacter response.
Policy Impact
Part of the NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections collaboration between UEA, UKHSA, Quadram and Newcastle University, you will interact with the Public and Community Involvement, Engagement and Participation group, with your research directly informing FSA and UKHSA guidelines and policy, helping protect the public from illness.
Number Of Awards 1
Start Date 1st October 2026
Award Duration 4 years
Sponsor UKHSA
Supervisors Marie McIntyre/Thea Commandeur/Steve Rushton, Newcastle University; Edward Cunningham‑Oakes, University of Liverpool; Roberto Vivancos, UKHSA; Anthony Wilson, FSA
Eligibility Criteria
You must have (or expect) a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject (behavioural science/health psychology/public health/epidemiology/social science/sociology/biology/environmental sciences/microbiology/statistics/veterinary or human medicine). Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. This studentship is only available to applicants with Home fee status (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status, meeting residency criteria).
Contact Details
NIHR PhD Studentship: Modernising Campylobacter burden Assessment Using Integrated Genomics, Sy[...] in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Emerging Scholars Council
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to research excellence and professional development, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for growth in the field of implementation science. Located in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community, Newcastle University provides a unique setting for meaningful and impactful work.
