PhD Studentship: Disrupting Oral Biofilm Formation & Maturation: Covalently Inhibiting Glucan Sucrases from Streptococci

Supervisory Team: Dr Seung Lee (School of Chemistry), Prof. Jeremy Webb (School of Biological Sciences and National Biofilms Innovation Centre), Prof. Paul Stoodley (University of Southampton), Dr Rob Howlin (Haleon, industry), Dr David Bradshaw and Dr Ricarda Hawkins (Haleon, industry) 

Project Description:

A fully-funded 4 year National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) PhD studentship (co-sponsored by Haleon, a world leading consumer health company) is available for research on oral biofilms and their effects on oral health at the University of Southampton. The project is highly multidisciplinary and will pioneer a novel approach to control the formation and maturation of biofilm within the oral microbiome, combining the latest chemical biology technique with microbiological methods. 

Oral biofilms aggressively developing on dental surfaces are linked to numerous human oral illnesses. Biofilms comprise a microbe-derived extracellular-matrix and with biofilm maturation, constituent matrix exopolysaccharides formed on tooth surfaces provide binding-sites and optimal environments for microbes’ growth, leading to pathogenesis. It is thus crucial to understand relationships between biofilm maturation and oral pathogenesis. 

Formation and maturation of oral biofilms are affected by key enzymes. We will attempt to control such enzymes’ activity through chemical inhibitors and probes. This project combines a wide variety of expertise including carbohydrate chemistry, enzymology, molecular biology, and microbiology to provide an insight into the oral biofilm’s impact on the oral health. 

You will prepare chemical probes that can control activities of key enzymes of oral biofilms, and express target enzymes for various tests. You will work on bacteria and the oral microbiome model for validation of our strategy.  

This interdisciplinary project will be performed in Chemistry, Biological Sciences and the NBIC and benefited from the expertise of Haleon. As the project develops, you will conduct a 3-month placement with Haleon tailored to the interests of the student. A multidisciplinary supervisory team consist of Dr Seung Lee (School of Chemistry), Prof. Jeremy Webb (School of Biological Sciences and the co-director of NBIC), Prof. Paul Stoodley, expert in oral biofilm and microbiome models (School of Engineering), and Dr Rob Howlin (Haleon), Dr David Bradshaw (Haleon) and Dr Ricarda Hawkins (Haleon). 

The studentship provides fees and stipends on a UKRI scale for four years and welcomes applicants from UK and EU. We particularly encourage motivated and ambitious applicants with background of chemistry who are interested in chemistry/biology interface. 

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). 

Closing Date: 31 August 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Funding: The studentship provides fees and stipends on a UKRI scale for four years and welcomes applicants from UK and EU. We encourage motivated and ambitious applicants with background of chemistry who are interested in chemistry/biology interface. 

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Chemistry (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Seung Lee. 

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date 

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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