Summary: The University of Exeter is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship supported by the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. The project, titled “Phage Power: Optimising Treatments for Bacterial Co-Infections,” focuses on developing and refining phage therapies to counter antimicrobial resistance in complex multi-species infections.
Designation
Role: Doctoral Researcher / PhD Studentship
Programme: GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme
Host Department: Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Studentship |
| Host Institution | University of Exeter |
| Campus / Location | Penryn Campus, Cornwall, United Kingdom |
| Funding Body | Medical Research Council (MRC) / GW4 BioMed3 |
| Funding Amount | £21,805 annual stipend + UK tuition fees + up to £5,000/year RTSG |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Eligible Nationalities | UK, EU, and International Students |
| Reference Code | 5928 |
| Application Deadline | 21st October 2026 |
Research Area
This doctoral research project spans the fields of Microbiology, Evolutionary Biology, Infectious Diseases, Phage Therapy, and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Location
The successful researcher will be based at the Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK.
Scholarship Description
With antibiotic resistance posing one of the greatest global health challenges of modern times, bacteriophage (phage) therapy represents a critical alternative for treating resilient bacterial infections. Phages are viruses that selectively infect and destroy pathogenic bacteria.
While phage therapy offers immense promise, significant clinical challenges remain regarding co-infections caused by multiple bacterial species. Eradicating a single target pathogen may inadvertently relieve ecological competition, allowing a secondary pathogen to expand. This PhD project addresses these dynamics by:
- Evaluating the ecological and evolutionary consequences of phage interventions in mixed-species bacterial environments.
- Identifying conditions under which competitive release occurs during treatment.
- Developing targeted therapeutic approaches to deploy phage therapies safely and effectively in polymicrobial infections.
Financial Support Includes:
- Full coverage of tuition fees at the UK/Home rate.
- An annual doctoral stipend aligned with the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) national minimum (£21,805 per annum, indexed annually).
- An additional Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) of up to £5,000 per annum for consumables, conference attendance, and training.
Eligibility & Qualification
Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements of the University of Exeter doctoral admissions:
- Academic Background: A first-class or upper second-class (2:1) UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related discipline. A relevant Master’s degree is advantageous.
- Candidate Scope: Open to UK, EU, and International applicants. (Note: Non-UK candidates should verify institutional policy regarding international fee-difference support).
- Skills: A strong interest in microbiology, experimental biology, and antimicrobial resistance research.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online through the official University of Exeter postgraduate funding portal:
- Visit the official Exeter funding award page for reference 5928.
- Prepare the necessary supporting documents, including an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV), academic transcripts, contact details for two academic referees, and a statement of interest.
- Complete and submit your application prior to the published closing date.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is 21st October 2026.
Apply Link
To view the full project description and submit an application, visit the official award page:
Apply for PhD Studentship (Award ID 5928) – University of Exeter
