Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Microbiome and Antibiotic Resistance Evolution at NorthWest Biosciences DTP, University of Glasgow and Queen’s University Belfast, UK

The NorthWest Biosciences BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership, led by the University of Glasgow, is recruiting for a fully funded 4-year PhD project for the 2027 intake. International students are eligible to apply. Applications for international candidates close on 30 November 2026.

Job Details

Organization: NorthWest Biosciences (NWB) BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership, led by the University of Glasgow with partner institutions including Queen’s University Belfast

Position: Fully funded 4-year PhD project

Project Title: “Evolution of the commensal microbiome under repeated pathogen exposure”

Intake: 2027

Location: UK

Programme Theme: Underpinning Bioscience

Supervisors: Dr Rachel Wheatley (Queen’s University Belfast), Dr Jason Brown (University of Glasgow) and Dr Edel Hyland (Queen’s University Belfast)

Project Details

Bacterial pathogens are associated with more than 7 million infection-related deaths per year. The spread of antibiotic resistance is threatening our ability to successfully treat infections and is driving increases in mortality and costs across healthcare systems worldwide. In order to infect a host, a bacterial pathogen must first successfully invade the host-associated microbiome. Commensal microbes reside in this microbiome without harming host health and can provide colonisation resistance against pathogens via several direct and indirect mechanisms, including toxin antagonism, nutrient blocking, or through interactions with host immunity.

The goal of this PhD is to investigate the evolution of commensal microbes in response to repeated pathogen exposure, and to understand how the acquisition of antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens impacts the commensal microbes they interact with. The project will help explain the mechanisms by which commensal microbes can resist pathogen invasion, the impact of antibiotic resistance on these outcomes, and the extent to which pathogen invasion forms a selective pressure in the microbiome. Application of this knowledge could improve our ability to manipulate the microbiome to enhance colonisation resistance.

Job Description

The PhD provides training in experimental microbiology, molecular biology, bacterial genetics and bioinformatics.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second class UK honours degree, or the international equivalent, in an appropriate area of science.
  • International students are accepted, with international places making up 30% of each year’s cohort.
  • Non-UK candidates whose first language is not English need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (exceptions apply for degrees from majority English-speaking countries); evidence is required only if a place is offered.

Salary

All successful candidates (Home or International) receive full tuition fees, a stipend and laboratory expenses. The BBSRC NWB grant provides a stipend of GBP 21,805 (GBP 30,488 for candidates with a veterinary degree).

Visa and International Health Surcharge costs are not covered and must be met by the candidate.

Documents Required

  • CV
  • Degree certificate (if graduated before 1 July 2026)
  • Academic transcript
  • Passport photo page
  • A one-page personal statement
  • Details of two academic referees

A research proposal is not required.

How to Apply

  1. Complete an application on the University of Glasgow Admissions Portal.
  2. Complete the NWB Recruitment Information Form, quoting the 8-digit admissions application number.

Applications without the Recruitment Information Form are not shortlisted.

Additional Information

Recruitment window for international candidates: 1 October 2026 to 30 November 2026

Recruitment window for Home candidates: 2 November 2026 to 4 January 2027

Interview invitations: Late February 2027

Interviews: March 2027

Offers confirmed: Late March/early April 2027

Queries: [email protected]

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Applications for international candidates close on 30 November 2026.