PhD Studentship: From Ward to Genomic Profiling and Back: Investigating Trends and Biology of Invasive Campylobacter Infections

Primary supervisor - Dr Nicol Janecko

Campylobacter continues to be the main cause of bacterial foodborne illness in the UK with incidence increasing. This microbe not only causes gastroenteritis but can become invasive, resulting in bloodstream infections that lead to longer illnesses and antibiotic treatment.

A significant data gap exists regarding the key genetic attributes that relate to the invasive nature of some Campylobacter strains. This project will investigate genomic population structures and virulence biomarkers using high-resolution sequencing and informatic tools to create a risk profile that will address this data gap. The outcomes will have a direct impact on public health.

This studentship aims to 1) explore and compare genomic indicators of bloodstream Campylobacter virulence (invasion into the bloodstream) and antibiotic resistance (AMR) profiles with non-invasive strains, and 2) produce clinically relevant AMR and virulence profiles of invasive strains to inform local clinical strategies of patient care. To do this, advanced molecular, sequencing and bioinformatic tools will be utilised alongside clinical data that will provide a link between the genomic and epidemiological data.

The student will join the research group of Dr Nicol Janecko, an expert in Campylobacter epidemiology and genomics at Quadram Institute Bioscience, an interdisciplinary research facility. The access to advanced sequencing technologies, and expertise in comparative genomics, microbiology, molecular epidemiology and bioinformatics uniquely place this studentship at the forefront of translational and applied research. The supervisory team includes Drs Gilmour, Langridge and Elumogo who bring expertise in clinical microbiology, patient care, genomics and bioinformatics to the project. Whilst joining a vibrant research community of students, post-doctoral scientists and researchers, there are supportive links across the Norwich Research Park and Dr Janecko’s extensive international collaborations.

This MMB DTP studentship is ideal for a student seeking an opportunity in pathogenesis investigation, high-resolution genomic exploration of Campylobacter and direct impacts on human health.

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is open to UK and International candidates with relevant undergraduate degrees for entry in October 2024 and offers the opportunity to undertake a fully-funded 4-year PhD research project supported by the UKRI Medical Research Council in microbiology and microbial bioinformatics.

Our unique and comprehensive training programme empowers students to feel comfortable running sophisticated computer analyses alongside laboratory work and emphasises problem-based learning in microbial bioinformatics, professional development and research skills. All MMB DTP students undertake a Professional Placement.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

The MRC DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Students are selected without regard to age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or social background. We value curiosity, independence of thought, plus an aptitude for research that combines laboratory work and bioinformatics.

For information on eligibility and how to apply: www.uea.ac.uk/phd/mmbdtp

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