Microbiology and Immunology: SURES PhD, Genetic and Functional Factors driving Biofilm-Mediated[...] in Swansea

Joint replacement therapy relieves pain and improves function and quality of life for over 200,000 people each year in the UK. Sadly, prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a major clinical challenge due to their persistence, resistance to treatment, and requirement for repeated surgical intervention. Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common skin commensal, is a leading cause of PJIs due to its ability to form biofilms on implanted devices and evade host immune responses.

S. epidermidis forms its biofilm matrix through the production of four large macromolecules that influences its structure and function. Our recent studies revealed that PJIs are highly dynamic, involving S. epidermidis populations that evolve genetically at the infection site. However, it remains unclear whether this genetic variation translates into functional biofilm changes of the large matrix molecules that ultimately promote persistence.

This project will investigate how genomic diversity and within-host evolution in S. epidermidis influences biofilm matrix formation, antibiotic tolerance, and host immune system interactions. Using patient-derived isolates, advanced biofilm models, and primary human neutrophils, the study will define how bacterial adaptation alters immune evasion and chronic infection. This work will provide critical mechanistic insight into persistent implant-associated infections and identify novel therapeutic targets to disrupt biofilm-mediated disease.

English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with a score of at least 6.5 in each individual component) or equivalent that is recognised by Swansea University.

Additional Information: This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £21,805 for 2026/27). Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

Eligibility criteria: Candidates must have achieved, or be expecting to achieve, a 1st class UK undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualification), or a 2:1 UK undergraduate degree and a Distinction in a UK master’s degree (or international equivalent). Where applicants have multiple master’s degrees, a distinction must be held in the degree that is most relevant to the intended PhD study. If you are currently studying for a master’s level qualification with an expected award date that is later than 01/10/2026, you should hold a minimum of an upper-second class (2:1) honours degree. You should be able to demonstrate a pass with a minimum grade average of at least 70% for your part‑one master’s degree modules (the taught aspect of your master’s course rather than a research-focused dissertation) and submit your dissertation by no later than 30/09/2026. NB: If you hold a non‑UK degree, please see the Swansea University degree comparisons to find out if you meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants must be able to begin their course of study in October 2026. As a cohort‑based programme, deferral to an alternative enrolment window within the academic year or to another academic year is not permissible. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here. Please note that both the degree and language‑proficiency entry requirements for SURES are higher than the baseline standard for entry that is stipulated for most of the PhD programmes at Swansea University.

UK and International applicants: Please note that International applicants will be required to hold a SUIPRES scholarship, with further guidance to follow if shortlisted.

Selection process: Please see our website for more information.