At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on antimicrobial resistance using innovative mathematical models and lab experiments.
- Company: Join a leading research initiative funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.
- Benefits: Receive an annual stipend, tuition coverage, and support for research training.
- Other info: International students welcome; excellent opportunity for career development in environmental research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health by tackling antimicrobial resistance in natural environments.
- Qualifications: Must have at least a 2:1 UK BSc or equivalent; MSc level is also acceptable.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
References
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat.
The environment plays an important role as resistant microorganisms are transmitted between people and animals through the environment; they also survive or thrive there and exchange genes.
One of the big debates is whether the low concentrations of antibiotics in the environment are selecting for resistance.
One approach to experimentally test this is to compete a 'special pair' of sensitive and resistant bacteria at a range of antibiotic concentrations in the lab, where their only difference is resistance so they share the same ecological niche.
This is an accurate and sensitive method, but the conditions in the lab do not mimic the environment.
An alternative approach is to bring a complex sample from the environment into the lab and measure whether resistance genes are increasing at different antibiotic concentrations.
This would seem to mimic the environment as a diverse community of bacteria is used, but the inevitable shifts in microbial community composition when incubating in rich media can result in increased resistance levels in the absence of selection.
We have a different idea, to use mathematical models based on results from simple lab experiments and then create the complexity in the model by including the effects of diversity, predation, low substrate concentrations etc, ultimately predicting at which concentration selection happens in the environment and also understanding the effects of the complications.
This will be coupled with experiments under natural conditions to test and validate the model, in flume mesocosms that can mimic river conditions in the lab at UKCEH Wallingford and also in situ in rivers.
For this, we will put the special pair in 'cages' (dialysis bags) so they cannot escape but are immersed in the environment and experience the same nutrient concentrations etc. as the other bacteria in the surrounding environment.
Such a validated mathematical model that can predict the risk of selection under environmental conditions is hugely important because it is impossible to expose thousands of different pathogenic and environmental bacteria with various (combinations) of resistances to many levels of hundreds of potentially selective antibiotics and other compounds under a variety of relevant environmental conditions.
This project is offered through the CENTA3 DLA, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
Funding covers: annual stipend, tuition fees (at home-fee level), Research Training Support Grant.
Academic requirements: at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or a pass at UK MSc level or equivalent.
International students are eligible for studentships to a maximum of 30% of the cohort.
Funding does not cover any additional costs relating to moving or residing in the UK.
International applicants must fulfil the University of Birmingham's international student entry requirements, including English language.
PhD Studentship: CENTA 2027-B05 Novel ways to deal with the complexities of detecting selection for antimicrobial resistance under realistic natural conditions in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, the School of Chemistry provides ample opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles, all while being situated in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: CENTA 2027-B05 Novel ways to deal with the complexities of detecting selection for antimicrobial resistance under realistic natural conditions in Birmingham
✨Get Your Foot in the Lab Door
Look for internship programmes specifically set up for life sciences or biotechnology students. Many companies, including University of Birmingham, offer structured pathways for interns, so check their careers page or your university's career services to snag those early opportunities.
✨Connect with Researchers and Alumni
Tap into biotechnology-focused online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or local biotech meetups. Networking with seasoned professionals or alumni from your university can give you an inside track on internships that may not be widely advertised. A little conversation can go a long way!
✨Get Involved in Research Projects
If you haven’t already, volunteer for or participate in research projects at your university. This hands-on experience not only builds your CV but also helps you make connections with faculty who can recommend you or point you to internship opportunities at companies like University of Birmingham.
✨Keep Your Application Needs in Mind
When you're ready to apply, make sure your online portfolio reflects relevant projects and any lab techniques you’re familiar with. Showcasing your understanding of biotechnology, particularly what relates to the work done at University of Birmingham, can help you stand out from the heap of applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: CENTA 2027-B05 Novel ways to deal with the complexities of detecting selection for antimicrobial resistance under realistic natural conditions in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a biotech internship, showcasing any relevant lab skills is crucial. If you've worked with lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or CRISPR, make sure these stand out in your CV. We want to see that you have hands-on experience and can contribute from day one.
Share Your Academic Projects:Don't forget to mention any academic projects related to biotechnology. If you've conducted research or completed projects that involved analysis or experimentation, highlight these in your cover letter. It shows us your practical understanding of biotech concepts and your motivation to learn more.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on your passion for biotechnology and your eagerness to learn. Use this space to explain why you want to intern with University of Birmingham specifically and how this experience aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Include Relevant Coursework:Make sure to list any relevant coursework on your CV. Classes like Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Bioinformatics can really make you stand out. We want to see that you've got the foundational knowledge, as it helps us gauge how easily you'll adapt to our projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
As we're diving into the biotechnology world, it's essential to refresh your knowledge on commonly used lab techniques. Be prepared to discuss methods like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and CRISPR. They might even ask you to explain the principles behind them or how you've used them in your studies!
✨Show Your Passion for Bioscience
Internships are all about eagerness to learn and grow, so let your enthusiasm for biotechnology shine through! Share any relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer experiences that showcase your motivation and dedication to the field. This will show University of Birmingham that you're not just looking for any gig, but you're genuinely excited about contributing to their research.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a biotech internship interview, be ready for scenarios that test your problem-solving skills. For example, how would you handle a contamination issue in an experiment? Practising these types of questions will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability, which are key traits for any budding biotechnologist.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Biotechnology often involves collaboration, so emphasising your ability to work in a team is crucial. Think about group projects or lab work where you collaborated with peers. Sharing these experiences will show University of Birmingham that you're not only a great individual contributor but also a team player, ready to thrive in their collaborative environment.
