PhD Studentship: How does antibiotic resistance evolve in mixed communities?

Primary supervisor - Dr Mark Webber

Antibiotic resistance remains one of the great challenges to human health and whilst we understand a lot about resistance mechanisms much of this work has been limited to simple laboratory studies. In the real-world bacteria often live in complex communities of many species where they must compete to survive. We have recently found that selection of antibiotic resistance in biofilms can happen readily but that the responsible mutations can have significant fitness costs.

This project will explore how resistance can emerge in mixed species biofilms and understand which mechanisms of resistance are viable in competition. The student will be based in the groups of Prof Mark Webber and Dr Matthew Gilmour and will use Salmonella as a model organism.

The student will learn skills in microbiology, biofilm biology, genomics, transposon mutagenesis and informatics and be embedded within two large and dynamic research groups.

The student will be based within the state-of-the-art Quadram Institute building located on the Norwich Research Park, which host the Centre for Microbial Interactions, a vibrant research community of over 100 microbiology research groups. The project offers a wide range of opportunities for training and personal development in a world class environment.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Mode of study

Full time

Start date

1 October 2026

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

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