PhD Studentship: Using Novel Genomic Tools to Understand the Evolution of Acinetobacter Baumannii Pathogenicity in Clinical Environments

In 2017, the WHO first identified a group of priority pathogens presenting the greatest risk to global human health. As of 2024, Acinetobacter baumannii, remains a top priority. The microbe thrives in hospitals and resists most antibiotics. Remarkably, the microbe lacks disease causing genes. Instead, it is thought the microbe constantly rearranges its genome to avoid eradication by the immune system an opportunistically attack human cells. In this respect mobile DNA elements (particularly transposons) appear key. We have developed a new genomic method to track genome rearrangements that occur at low levels within A. baumannii populations. You will use this to understand how chromosomal changes increase pathogenicity and provide an advantage in hospital settings.

You will use a combination of genomic, genetic, and molecular tools. To understand out collection of recent A. baumannii isolates from infected patients at the nearby Queen Elizabeth hospital. The ultimate goal is to understand the mechanisms by which genome rearrangements allow the bacterium to better infect the human host and persist in hospital settings.

The project will be supervised by Professors David Grainger (UoB), Katie Hopkins (UKHSA), Jessica Blair (UoB) and Willem van Schaik (UoB).

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 via the above 'Apply' buttong by 9th January 2026.

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