Summary
This PhD studentship, funded by the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme, focuses on optimising phage therapy for bacterial co-infections. As antibiotic resistance grows, phage therapy offers a promising alternative. The research will investigate how to effectively use phages to treat infections caused by multiple bacterial species simultaneously, addressing the challenge of preventing one pathogen from flourishing when another is eliminated. The goal is to develop strategies that unlock the full potential of phage therapy as a next-generation antimicrobial treatment.
PhD Studentship: Phage Power – Optimising Treatments for Bacterial Co-Infections
Designation
PhD Studentship
Research Area
- Phage Therapy
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Bacterial Co-Infections
- Microbiology
- Ecology and Conservation
Scholarship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification Type | PhD |
| Funding For | UK Students, EU Students, International Students |
| Funding Amount | £21,805 Stipend (matching UK Research Council National Minimum, updated annually) plus UK/Home tuition fees. Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is also available. |
| Hours | Full Time |
Location
University of Exeter – Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Cornwall, Penryn
Eligibility/Qualification
The studentships are funded through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Applicants should meet the eligibility criteria for PhD study at the University of Exeter and the funding requirements for UK, EU, or International students as specified by the GW4 BioMed3 MRC programme.
Scholarship Description
The GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme is offering up to 18 MRC funded studentships. This specific PhD project, titled “Phage Power: Optimising Treatments for Bacterial Co-Infections,” addresses the critical challenge of antibiotic resistance by exploring phage therapy. Phages are natural viruses that selectively destroy harmful bacteria. The research will focus on understanding how to effectively use phage therapy when multiple bacterial species cause an infection, ensuring that eliminating one pathogen does not inadvertently allow another to thrive. This project aims to develop optimised strategies for phage treatment of co-infections, thereby advancing its potential as a new antimicrobial solution.
How to Apply
Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button on the original job listing page. Further details regarding the application process and required documents will be provided there.
Last Date for Apply
21st October 2026
Apply Link








