At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on infectious intestinal diseases and their impact on public health.
- Company: Join a leading UK study team focused on gastrointestinal infections.
- Benefits: 100% tuition coverage, £25,000 living allowance, travel budget, and consumables funding.
- Other info: Gain skills in statistical modelling and bioinformatics while working with top experts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health by tackling infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 Honours degree in Biology, Public Health, or Epidemiology required.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 22500 £ per year.
Award Summary: 100% of home student fees covered and a tax-free annual living allowance of £25,000. £1000 travel budget per year and £5000 consumables per year.
Overview: Gastrointestinal infections affect millions of people in the UK each year. While often mild, they can be serious for vulnerable groups. These infections also impose a healthcare burden through GP visits, hospital stays, and outbreak control.
A major UK study, the IID3 Study, has assessed gastrointestinal infections in the UK population with the aim of recalibrating national surveillance systems and understanding diagnosis pathways and the antimicrobial resistance of causative pathogens. The study involves universities and public health agencies across the UK and uses advanced tools to detect infections and track resistance.
The PhD candidate, funded by the UKHSA, will work with the IID3 study team and the UKHSA using study data. The aim is to understand how laboratory methods can affect the detection of pathogens and how the spatial distribution of stomach bugs and antibiotic resistance are linked to other risk factors. It will use national data to:
- Map how infections and resistance change across time and regions.
- Explore how testing methods and symptom severity affect diagnosis.
- Study how antibiotic use in the community relates to resistance.
The student will develop models to identify high-risk areas and populations, helping public health teams prepare for and respond to outbreaks and work with experts in microbiology, data science, and public health, gaining skills in statistical modelling and bioinformatics.
Number Of Awards: 1
Start Date: Autumn 2026
Award Duration: 3 Years
Application Closing Date: 27/08/26
Sponsor: UKHSA
Supervisors: Aileen Mill, Ben Rowland, Roberto Vivancos, Dan Hungerford
Eligibility Criteria: You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (Biology, Public Health, Epidemiology). 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. The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria). International applicants are welcome to apply but will be required to cover the difference between Home and International fees. International applicants may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate prior to obtaining their visa.
PhD Studentship: Modelling the Aetiology and Spatio-temporal Distribution of Infectious Intesti[...] employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of immuno-oncology research. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from numerous growth opportunities while contributing to impactful projects in a supportive team atmosphere. Located in a vibrant city, the university provides a unique chance to engage with cutting-edge research and make meaningful contributions to healthcare advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Modelling the Aetiology and Spatio-temporal Distribution of Infectious Intesti[...]
✨Get Involved in Uni Projects
Jump into biology-related projects at your university or community! This is a fantastic way to gain experience and build your portfolio. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to connect with professors and professionals who might help you land that sweet internship.
✨Join Biology Clubs and Societies
Get involved in biology clubs and networking societies. Not only will you meet fellow students and potential collaborators, but you’ll also learn about internship opportunities that might not even be advertised widely. Local events or workshops can lead to valuable connections!
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
Make the most of your university’s career services! They often have resources specifically for biology internships, like workshops, CV reviews, and connections with employers. Don’t hesitate to ask about any focussed internship programs they run!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Let’s be real; a strong online presence could go a long way. Share your projects, findings, or even interesting biology news on social media or a personal blog. This not only boosts your visibility but shows potential internship providers your enthusiasm for the field!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Modelling the Aetiology and Spatio-temporal Distribution of Infectious Intesti[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When you’re applying for a biology internship, don’t forget to highlight relevant lab skills and techniques you've mastered. List any specific protocols, equipment you're familiar with or projects where you applied these skills. This can make you stand out to Newcastle University, showing you’re not just a theory whiz but also someone who can get their hands dirty!
Link to Your Previous Work:Even though it’s an internship, showcasing previous projects or research is key. If you've got any published work, presentations, or even a research blog, include links or descriptions in your CV. This adds depth to your application and impresses Newcastle University by demonstrating your commitment to biology and your proactive approach to learning.
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your enthusiasm for the biological sciences and what you hope to learn during your internship. Mention specific aspects of Newcastle University's work that resonate with you. This not only shows your genuine interest but gives the hiring team insight into how you might fit into their culture and projects.
Keep It Neat and Structured:Make sure your CV is well-organised, with clear headings and bullet points. Hiring panels love clarity! Use sections like 'Education', 'Relevant Experience', and 'Skills', and tailor them to the biology field. This makes it easy for Newcastle University to find the info they need at a glance while looking for candidates who are detail-oriented.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Show Your Passion for Biology
In an internship interview for a biology role, we want to feel your enthusiasm! Bring up any relevant projects or experiments you've worked on, whether in your studies or during volunteering. Sharing your genuine interest can really set you apart.
✨Brush Up on Basic Concepts
Many biology interviews will throw some basic concepts your way to check your understanding. Make sure you're comfortable discussing things like cell structures, genetic variation, or ecosystems. It’s often less about knowing every detail and more about showing your thought process.
✨Prepare for Skills Questions
Expect questions that’ll dive into your practical skills. If you've had experience with lab equipment or software like SPSS or R, be ready to discuss that in detail. We need to know you're not just book-smart, but also hands-on!
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an intern, showcasing your eagerness to learn is key. Be prepared to talk about how you adapt to new situations or how you handle constructive criticism. We want to see that you're excited to dive into the biology world with Newcastle University and grow along with the team!
