PhD Studentship: Application of Metagenomic Methods to Profile Public Health Threats in Wastewater and Freshwater

Wastewater is an important source of microbial (viral, fungal and bacterial) pathogens and the treatment of wastewater is regarded as a key intervention to reduce the spread of infectious agents. However, wastewater is sometimes released untreated in the UK’s streams and rivers, but the public health risks associated with these events are currently poorly characterised. In this project we will first implement a combination of metagenomic sequencing techniques to comprehensively characterise baseline levels of microbial pathogens in wastewater and surface water and compare our findings with data on currently circulating clones of gut-associated pathogens. Subsequently, we will perform an observational, longitudinal study on the river Teme to profile the abundance of microbial pathogens. This river is impacted by sewage release and is associated with significant flooding events. The student will combine experimental methods with metagenomics and bioinformatics to profile the threats associated with flooding events and recreation in freshwater.

This project is part of an exciting new Doctoral Training Programme in Microbial Genomics for Health Protection in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is funded by NIHR as part of a Health Protection Unit in Public Health Genomics between the University of Birmingham and UKHSA. In addition to the extensive training offered to all PhD students at UoB, the cohort of students on this DTP will receive training and opportunities at both UoB and UKHSA in the area of public health genomics.

Applications of a two page CV and covering letter including your experience, suitability and motivation should be sent to hpru-phgenomics@contacts.bham.ac.uk by 31st July 2025 via the above 'Apply' button.

Supervisors: Prof Willem van Schaik (w.vanschaik@bham.ac.uk) and Dr Marie Chattaway (UKHSA).

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