The University of Sheffield is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity for researchers interested in bacteriophage biology, vaccine development, microbial genetics, structural biology and antimicrobial resistance.
The project addresses an emerging challenge in poultry health: infections caused by Enterococcus cecorum, an increasingly important bacterial pathogen affecting broiler production.
Enterococcus cecorum infections can cause serious conditions, including vertebral osteomyelitis, septicaemia and lameness in poultry. These infections affect bird welfare, farm productivity and the sustainability of poultry production.
Recent research has identified distinct genomic lineages of pathogenic E. cecorum strains carrying potential virulence factors, including surface polysaccharides. These strains also demonstrate resistance to antibiotics commonly used in broiler production, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to infection prevention and treatment.
This PhD project aims to develop next-generation interventions by combining bacterial glycobiology, structural analysis, glycoconjugate vaccine development and bacteriophage-based therapeutics.
The research will explore how bacterial surface polysaccharides can be used as vaccine targets while investigating bacteriophages and their lytic enzymes as potential antibacterial treatments.
Key Responsibilities
The selected PhD researcher will undertake interdisciplinary research involving vaccine development, phage characterisation and antimicrobial evaluation. Key research activities will include:
- Investigate the surface polysaccharides of pathogenic E. cecorum strains and determine their structural characteristics.
- Identify and analyse conserved antigenic targets using structural biology approaches, including NMR-based structural glycobiology.
- Generate prototype glycoconjugate vaccines using identified bacterial surface polysaccharides.
- Evaluate the immune responses generated by prototype vaccine candidates.
- Isolate and study bacteriophages capable of infecting E. cecorum.
- Investigate phage host range, adsorption kinetics, stability and lytic activity against different bacterial strains.
- Investigate the antibacterial potential of recombinant phage-derived lytic enzymes.
- Evaluate promising vaccine candidates, phage preparations and lytic enzymes using ex vivo infection models.
- Assess bacterial clearance, protective effects and immune modulation to identify promising therapeutic approaches.
- Analyse experimental data, prepare scientific reports and contribute to research publications and presentations.
Qualifications and Skills Required
- An upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent.
- Applicants from biological sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, physical sciences or mathematics are welcome.
- A relevant Master’s degree may be advantageous.
Candidates with experience or an interest in developing expertise in the following areas will find this project particularly relevant:
- General and molecular microbiology.
- Bacteriology and bacterial genetics.
- Bacteriophage biology and phage–host interactions.
- Antimicrobial resistance and alternative antibacterial therapies.
- Vaccine development and immunogenicity.
- Glycobiology and bacterial surface polysaccharides.
- Structural biology and NMR spectroscopy.
- Phage isolation, characterisation and host-range analysis.
- Protein biochemistry and recombinant enzyme characterisation.
- Molecular and microbiological techniques.
- Experimental data analysis and scientific research methodologies
For project-related enquiries contact: Dr Stephane Mesnage, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield
Project Title: Development of Glycoconjugate Vaccines and Phage-Based Therapeutics to Treat Infections Caused by the Emerging Poultry Pathogen Enterococcus cecorum
Department: School of Biosciences
Supervisors: Dr Stephane Mesnage, Prof. Graham Stafford, Dr Anastasia Zhuravleva and Prof. T. J. Smith
Official profile:
https://sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/stephane-mesnage
For application-related enquiries: Email to: YBDTP@leeds.ac.uk
For more phage-related PhD opportunities, check here
PhD in Glycoconjugate Vaccines and Phage-Based Therapeutics in Sheffield employer: The Phage
The University of Salford offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers in the field of bacteriophage therapy, providing a collaborative environment with leading institutions like the University of Liverpool and the University of Limerick. With a strong focus on advancing oral health through innovative research, the university fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development, while also contributing to meaningful solutions for global health challenges. This PhD position not only allows for hands-on laboratory experience but also promotes collaboration across disciplines, making it an ideal setting for those passionate about tackling antimicrobial resistance.
